Squirrels as Neighbours

We have a squirrel. Well probably 2 squirrels ......... as we think there could be a nest.


Our house/garden backs on to a wooded area that then leads to a meadow/riverbank and on to the river, we are very lucky. 


However, the trees in this wooded area were tiny saplings when we moved here and are now rather large with branches growing over our fence. This actually isn't a problem for us and it means that, at this time of year, we are entertained by the squirrel ..... and the dog.


There is an acorn tree at one end of the fence and the squirrel's nest is at the other end of the fence ........ so ..... when collecting nuts, he finds it easier to run along the top of the fence from one end to the other rather than jumping across trees.


This drives Harley BONKERS ! 


He catches a glimpse of the kamikaze squirrel and chases him manically from the ground, barking furiously.


I am sure this barking, when it occurs, may be a little irritating but, having been at home for the last 3 months, it is not excessive, no more than other barking dogs around this area and, for the majority of our neighbours, it occurs sporadically during the daytime - so most of them are out at work. 


NOW ....... we get on with most of our neighbours ........ but there are 3 who are not so keen on us ...... and one who actively goes out of her way to be awkward.


I am not sure and have no evidence as to who popped the letter in my door - but I do have my suspicion ....... sadly, the person who dropped this letter in, was obviously a coward and not prepared to actually discuss the issue - it was simply signed "a neighbour".


It was not a complaint about the noise (that seems to be a recurring theme for our family - see the blog "Turn it up")  .......... but about the fact that we must be treating the dog badly !!!


How, what, why would you come to that conclusion ????


We hear lots of dogs around here barking - sometimes you cannot be sure if it is the same dog or just coming from the same area - sometimes it is dogs out for a walk round the back or in the field - sometimes it can be a "conversation" between neighbouring dogs (that Harley often joins in with too) - often it will be Harley and his son Hendrix, who lives a few doors down "talking" 


This letter assumed that I was not at home - assumed that Harley was suffering from "separation anxiety" (someone has been watching too much "Dog Whisperer") and stated that he barked endlessly for hours on end - which is laughable as I AM HERE! He is often inside - curled up with me while I am writing this sort of blog ! As he is now - whilst another dog is out the back  ..... barking - Harley is not interested as he is curled up in Greg's seat - half asleep ! Why would someone make such ridiculous assumptions - How could you tell a distressed bark from a: 


"I'm gonna get you .. squirrel"           bark ? 


Whoever it was threatened to call the RSPCA - please do - I don't believe in threats - just do it - but it makes no impact as the letter is anonymous so I cannot even speak to the person to say ........... he is barking at A SQUIRREL !!!!!!!


If he had been whimpering that would/could be different. Why would you even think of reporting it to the RSPCA without first knocking on the neighbours door to see if there was a problem - if you assumed the neighbour was out then perhaps the assumption should be that the neighbour would not realise that the dog was "distressed" so you would inform them - well I would - in a polite and concerned manner rather than a very threatening one (yes - I know I get over passionate about some things - I got others to read the letter to see if I was overreacting - they did not believe I was - it was threatening and with a nasty tone !)


So now ..... I am encouraging Harley to go out and bark at the squirrel as much as possible in the hope that these deluded neighbours will call the RSPCA - who can come and verify that my dog is fine - and then hopefully the RSPCA will report back to the neighbour that they are slightly "off their rocker" and should get a life !


In the meantime - I am perfectly happy to keep on good terms with my squirrel neighbour and wish that those neighbours who I don't get on with, would keep to themselves, as the squirrel does, and just get on with their own business !