Follow up Friday 8

Today we're joining Heart Like a Dog's Follow up Friday blog hop. Thank you Jodi, for inviting us all to join the hop that "let you wrap up the week and leads you right into the weekend."

I wanted to follow up on our Through the rabbit hole post because Bella's reaction to the rabbits has rather surprised me. Nothing quite asdramatic as Beau's reaction, mind you, but our expectations are more than a little different between the two dogs.

Bella has a pretty high prey drive and goes absolutely Cujo at even the long-distance sighting of a squirrel. So when I realized the rabbits were grazing on the INSIDE of her fenced in area, I got just a little nervous for their safety.

Imagine my surprise when one day I let Bella into the area and saw a bunny go high-tailing it across the yard with Bella in pursuit. Note that I did not say in "hot" pursuit. The bunny was moving full-speed. Bella, surprisingly, was not. She was chasing it but not with any real conviction.

After a few years, I think you get to know your dog. Especially when, as in our case, you've had to pay special attention to her subtle signals. When Bella sees a squirrel, she gets all up in full-on attack mode: hackles raised, ears forward, body tense.

While I watched her 'go after' this rabbit, she was showing a much more relaxed posture - more like play than fight/hunt. And she was nowhere near moving at full speed.

I wonder, what does Bella sense about squirrels that makes her go haywire that she didn't sense in the bunny? I don't have a clue and would love to hear your thoughts about it.

I do think it's telling that the rabbits seem to feel safer inside the enclosure than outside. Maybe it's because they usually know when Bella's coming due to opening doors and a crazy hu-mom that calls out a warning to them.

In other news, our thoughts are still with Marquie and her family, as well as all our other friends who have lost their beloved companions in the 2 years we have been blogging: KB and her beautiful K, The Houston Pittie Pack, Jana's Jasmine, Mrs. Taleteller's beautiful Blueberry, Mister Mango, regal Remington, the charming Au, sweet, baby Charlotte, the lovely Cali, gorgeous Gizmo and ever adorable Howie. Sadly, I am sure I have missed too many more. I would also like to offer a special verbal hug to our own friends Sheila and Matt who lost their beautiful Kismet in a tragic and horrible situation this summer. You are always in our thoughts.

Finally, thanks for all the kind words about our blogiversary. It has been a unique pleasure getting to know all of you and your animals. Your friendship, kindness, encouragement and wisdom has taught me so much. Here's to another two years of sharing stories, celebrating successes and comforting sorrows. Cheers!