I mentioned in yesterday's sad post about dear Birdie how she loved to grab a toy on the way out the cottage door in the morning and wave it at the Dachshunds to try and get a game started. Somehow this morning it was as if blind Briggs realized something was amiss and decided to fill Birdie's role. Just minutes after letting them out, he found this tennis ball and started parading it around, taunting the others to just-try-and-take-this-away-from-me. Watching this blind, wobbly Beagle strut his stuff did indeed help cheer us up.
Blind Austin soon realized what was going on with Briggs and rose to the challenge. We still think of him as a baby because he's so small, but in reality he's probably full grown by now -- yet he doesn't let his diminutive size get in the way. Here he's coming up to make a grab:
Then he makes another pass, getting closer:
But, alas, as the saying goes, it's close-but-no-tennis-ball:
A minute or so later, after breaking off the pursuit, Austin comes in from a different direction and almost makes a clean snatch:
Being blind, of course, means that sometimes you lose sight (so to speak) of your quarry and have to stop and regroup, which is what seems to be happening in this photo:
And when it's clear you're not going to steal the ball after all, it's best to give up and have a drink while the victor waltzes (or wobbles) off the field:
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Thank you to everyone who has posted or emailed us their condolences about both Laddie and Birdie. It is so comforting to know how many people care about these animals and are thinking of them, and us, during these difficult moments. We really appreciate it.
A coworker made a donation to your ranch in lieu of office gifts this year. We were all thrilled since we have pets we love. Bless you for your work.
Posted by: Sandy Nance | December 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
I love your photos and learning about these pets. So sorry for your recent losses. We lost a lab to hip dysplasia. He had surgery but was in constant pain. He was only two. Very sad.
Posted by: Marla | July 30, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I'm glad that the beagle brigade came to the rescue to give you some light after the devastating loss of Birdie and Laddie. It always seems as if our animals know we need to see some happiness when times are dark. Know that there are lots of people in the world that share your sorrow even though we've never physically met the animals at RDR.
I see Noodles there in the background, how are she and Soba doing? Are the wheelchairs helping still?
Posted by: Jen | July 30, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Such hilarious antics...can't help but chuckle and smile at the dogs!!
Posted by: Nina | July 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I am soooo sorry for your losses, it seems that you are having more than your share of loss, thank God you have more than your share of great animals.....my heart is with you as always, love you guys and think of you in every prayer..Jo
Posted by: JoGura | July 29, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Isn't it wonderful how our animal friends can make us smile in times of sadness. It doesn't stop the hurt but it sure lightens the load for awhile.
Those of us who share our lives with animals all eventually experience the incredible sadness of their loss, much as we do the loss of our human family members and friends. For those of you at Rolling Dog those losses come much more often due to the number of animals under your care and their fragile health. And then there is the unexpected accidents and deaths. That does not seem fair. My heart goes out to you all during your time of grief and loss. What lucky animals they were, and others are to have you as their family. I am in awe of you. Evelyn-Tacoma
PS
Posted by: Evelyn - Tacoma | July 29, 2008 at 02:32 PM
It's obvious what is going on. There is a power struggle in the RDR ruling Beagle Politburo. Austin is only an Assistant Beagle Commissar but has his sights set on bigger things. Thus he must have a test of strength with Deputy Beagle Commissar Briggs. It is simply the way the Beagle Nomenklutura handle things. Power To The Beagles!!!!
Posted by: Bob | July 29, 2008 at 01:28 PM
hahaha, I completely know what you mean about "regrouping"! Sometimes you've just got to call a time-out to figure out where everything is. So cute!
Posted by: Wendy | July 29, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Animals are great healers.
Thanks for the ball antics Briggs; you helped make the day brighter for all!
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 29, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Alas, the toughest part-the "new normal". Every day will hurt a little less. Wishing the hurt away from Kentucky-Carolyn Kupferschmid
Posted by: Carolyn Kupferschmid | July 28, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Isn't it amazing how our animals can sense when we need cheering up? They too feel the loss of Birdie & these sweet angels just knew they had to do something to bring a smile to everyone this morning.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | July 28, 2008 at 05:47 PM