It was a matter of time but today I sat in the kitchen admiring the garden (just mown the lawn for the first time this year) who should spring in to view but the black cocker spaniel - yes - sporting a very ginger nose muff! On a second glance it was confirmed - Thomas, one of the four new chooks had been plucked from her bliss behind the chicken fence and was being paraded around the garden like a trophy. I shrieked, my husband shouted and our three year old burst into tears. The dog ran.
We decided on the softly, softly approach, a dish of food and eventually got either side of him. I was amazed that his jaw was locked tight. The chook looked inconvenienced but otherwise not too bad. I managed to push the dogs lips onto his own teeth until he let go.
Poor old Thomas seemed very quiet but I think apart from the loss of half a dozen feathers she will be OK.
My concern is what if I hadn't seen him - what would he have done with the bird? He does eat dead rabbits and foxes if he finds them but as far as I know has never killed anything - would he have done? I think he might have.
He is a complete handful - worse than the five children put together. 7 months old and working stock but sadly no chance of working here. A friend who shoots has offered to re-home him with someone who does shoot. I am normally at work full time as is my husband and the nanny copes (just!). I am not sure I am doing the best for him. He is a lovely dog but just needs so much more somehow. Any thoughts?
Sal
Topic: So the cocker got the chooks! (Read 4180 times)
