We finally seem to have a hesitant Spring, with a few cruel wintry jabs. This morning, for example, it was only 30 degrees and frosty on the grass. But May is nearly over, the grass is growing, trees are leafed out with blossoms coming on, so surely it will get warmer.
I’m outside a lot now, exploring and wading the creek, even though it is high and dirty from all the rain.
I figure summer is short in the northern Rockies, so we better get out and enjoy it all we can!
Well, that is exactly what I was doing this week, when the neighbor came by to fix fences. His cows regularly spend time grazing MY grass with the horses! The only good thing about that is that I get to help chase them back.
Now I always set up a good ruckus when anyone shows up on my ranch, even more so today when I saw a dog get out of the tractor with him.
If anyone knows me, I have a reputation for not playing well with other canines. I think that is extreme, as I can prove I got along just fine with everyone at the Arizona foster I came from. Most of them. Some of them. At least 7 out of 9 as I remember. I know there was one.
Anyway, I ran out to let that dog know who is Heeler in charge. At first the introduction went fine.
Then I had to return to the boss, who was screaming like a lunatic for me to COME! I don’t know why she was so upset as I was just doing my job. To let you know how crazy she was, she actually tied me to the four-wheeler!
Now that really made me think there must be something dangerous about that dog! 
Later when we were back at the house, I saw them fixing fence nearby. Naturally I hustled right out to check on things. I swear I was trying to be friendly, wagging furiously, leaning in and grinning…but somehow, my intense friendliness was misunderstood. 
That little border collie leaped on me and with a couple short yaps and a little nipping, set me back on my haunches and sent me back to the house! 
I tried a few times, showing that dog who was boss around here, in a relentless Heeler sort of way.
Every time like lightening, she snapped right back and handed me my speckled butt!
She was done with her rebuke before I quit the toothy, intimidating grin I was practicing; mostly I was just ducking, trying to save my ears and face from the basting she was handing out!
Talk about humiliating – and in my own pasture, in front of the boss, the cows and the neighbors!
Oh I mounted a verbal counter-attack to let everyone within 2 miles know I was displeased with this turn of events.
I howled, grumbled, whined, yip-yapped and barked my way back to the house. I stopped a few times and faced her down, growling out a strong lecture – from a safe distance.
In the end, I was totally humbled by the incident. Perhaps hospitality and good manners is something I need to work on – so I’m told.
I hope the fences don’t need fixing anytime soon. I’m not hungry for another serving of humble pie.
