A Bonny Tale on Saturday

Today, I am doing a second blog post.  That's because I have a Bonny tale to tell.  

But to start at the beginning.  Bill and I walked together with Black Jack this afternoon.  Here, she is very focused on catching the ball that Bill has thrown for her.  We have just crossed over Drummond Drive, and are walking along the grass, to the right of Chancellor Blvd, heading towards the forest.  There is a lot of green space, and with Black Jack's long leash on, it feels pretty safe to let it trail, as we play some ball with her.

Here, she brings the ball back to Bill.  I love to watch them play.  

Now, we've entered the forest.  Bill did the four-leash thing today, and although he prefers his own two-leash method, he comments that Black Jack is getting a better than usual run.  But the next two pictures are in his "I hate it when that happens" category.  It might be difficult to see here, but a branch has attached itself to the leash.  That happens when the leash drags along the ground, and picks up debris in its travels.

This is the second "I hate it when that happens" photo.  That wood, half in and half out of the earth, behind the leash, has just snagged it, as they walk on.  It's not so bad when there's a second person behind (me) to free the leash.

Does anyone see a ballet slipper in these mushrooms?
A possible sign of Spring?
The walk, to this point, has been fun, but I wouldn't call it a Bonny day, until this little dog approaches Black Jack.  They begin their interaction with a hug.

Then, Bonny (we only learned her name much later) tries to assert her dominance.  Black Jack, not usually one to argue, is fine with that.  Bonny really isn't all that much bigger than Black Jack, but in this picture, she seems huge in comparison.
They play and play, as Bill and I scan the surroundings, hoping to see Bonny's human.  Some people at the golf course tell us she's been running around for a while.  Hm....  I begin to worry.  She shows every sign of following us home, and ignores our instructions when we feel it's time to stop playing.  She finds Black Jack's size just right.  Not too big and not too small.

Bill finally picks up Black Jack, and I tell Bonny to go home.  She lets me know what she thinks of that idea with a little woof.  Then she goes right on following us.  Now, Bill and I decide to use one of Black Jack's leashes to take her home.  The plan is to call the pound to see if anyone has lost a dog.  Not so easy to catch this little dog.  She stays just out of reach, even as she continues to play with Black Jack.  Each time I lean down to take her collar, she easily avoids my hand.  She is interested in the treats in my pocket, but not so much that she is willing to give up her freedom.  Finally, after many attempts, I manage to grab her collar, and attach a leash.  She isn't impressed, but then relaxes and continues to play as we head for home.

Once in our backyard, Bill goes inside to call the pound, while I watch her play with Black Jack.  Black Jack becomes little bit more assertive, which Bonny accepts as her right in her own space.  They play and play.  Both Black Jack and I like Bonny a lot.
Black Jack is having one heck of a good time.  Bonny is doubtful about her intentions, but still cooperative.
The more Bonny and Black Jack enjoy themselves, the more I feel terrible about calling the pound.  I don't want her to spend a horrible, lonely night, with no one to reassure her that this is for her own good.  Two very, very kind ladies show up with a van, and my guilt and sadness intensify.  However, they tell me we have probably saved her life, and being such a sweet little thing, more than likely, a frantic human will be calling before the evening is out.  Bonny really does not want to leave our yard, and her expression breaks my heart.  

However, I'm really happy to tell you that those ladies were right.  One of them took the trouble to call and tell Bill that Bonny's human phoned, absolutely frantic with worry about his little dog.  He is not a resident of the area, and drove her to the golf course.  When he opened the car door, she took off before he could get a leash attached.  Bonny is now home safe and sound, and I am very relieved for her.  Black Jack is quite tired tonight.  She hasn't played like that in a while.  Bill seems quite certain a second dog is not a good idea, and deep down, I guess I know it's the most sensible decision.  Too bad, though.  Bonny was perfect.  Maybe her human will call, and we can arrange a play date.