Nanny Boo the self appointed Guardian Dog

Dogs are all the things.

They are companions. Guard dogs. Guardian dogs. Farm dogs. Lap dogs. Nagging dogs. Old dogs. What else?

The above shot is of Boo trying very hard not to look annoyed (and failing) as I take TOO LONG to get ready to go outside.

But one job that Boo, (the Blue Heeler crossed with an Australian Cattle dog found in a box at a fair) has taken upon himself is to be the guardian of Wai’s food. He does guard his livestock but guarding Wai’s food is his self appointed job.

He does not mind ducks close to the little old pig but Boo hates roosters. And if they get too close to his pig then he will rise up and glare at them until they dodge away.

I think he has observed their violent and untrustworthy nature. And he is right.

He settles by Wai as Wai eats and (because he is not allowed to attack- unless commanded but that is another story) he raises his lip when a rooster comes too close and glares at them.

This curl of the lip to show the teeth is pretty cool to watch.

And impossible to get on film.

But if they do not move fast enough thats when he will stand up and use size to intimidate them.

See how he is sitting higher here because the ducks are blocking his view of the roosters.

Next he will get up and walk between the roosters and the ducks. Pointedly herding them back. Because Miss C will not let him bite birds (especially after his years ago fight with Mr Flowers though to be fair Mr Flowers did start it) he has to rely on his other skills.

So just quietly, Boo makes his presence known. At feeding time.

Don’t get too close to my pig!

Nelson the rescue rabbit.

Now you see her. Now you don’t!

Yesterday (day three in her new outside hutch) Nelson took herself out of her pink carry cot and settled into the back room which is dark and enclosed and stuffed full of straw. Rabbits are burrow creatures. They actually prefer to have some darkness to retreat to. A rabbit in constant light gets quite stressed.

She lays in the sun for warmth then is happy to disappear back into her back room.

Mission accomplished.

Mr Flowers and the ducks.

I just love the curve of his tail in this shot. Mr Flowers.

The ducks have turned the gardens close to the house into mud with their paddly feet. This morning the mud is frozen solid. Lovely.

I think that the reason that they have had such a safe winter is because they stick close to the house (and the guardian dogs). Literally. So I cannot hold my ruined front garden against them.

Though I am not sure how to recover it. The ducks are not going away.

🌀 Today began at 29℉ ( -1℃) and will rise to 61℉ (16℃) that sounds nice.

We really need some colour on the farmy. Come on warm weather!

Now, where are my dogs. Time to go outside.

Have a lovely day!

🦋 Celi