I call this big girl Bella, I have no idea why, or why I think it’s a girl but I do. If you look at the pole barn you can see a door is open. It is only open like that when I’m working inside. The dog and I were happily working away in there, oblivious to being watched. I have no doubt Bella has not been the only one watching me.
The critters are far better at stealth than am I, but we all have have perception beyond our eyes and ears. You know that nagging sense something is up. The dog is more attuned to such things, so I always watch him closely and act on his, shall we say advice.
We were following a deer trail through the woods, there was still snow on the ground. I saw wolf tracks cross our trail but I kept going. The dog however stopped dead at those same tracks. I tried to get him to come with me but he sat down and would not move. I figured he knew something I didn’t so we turned back.
Another time we were both walking down the road. I had this incessant feeling we were being followed. I watched the dog and he was on high alert, you know the pose, head and tail up ears attentive. I’m not sure why, but we both kept going, for a little while anyway. About a half mile further along the dog stopped, I followed suit.
We both stood there for a moment and then turned around. Our pace was much faster and more determined, then I heard it, the sound of a big cat. There is nothing else that it could have been, cougars have been spotted in the area. I learned in that instant what a heart stopping moment feels like. We made it back home safely. I didn’t go for a walk for several days.
I have learned over the years if it feels like something is wrong it usually is and it is best to act on that. The older I get the better I am at taking that advice.
May you always remember someone may be watching.
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