You may have heard me mention Pearl Bailey’s Shangri-La on more than one occasion. This is a reference to the full and lushly landscaped mecca that the Professor and I created for the likes of our maniac pup, Pearl Bailey. This lovely oasis is completely enclosed which creates the necessary boundaries for this devious diva. Now that PB has grown into a full-sized dog, she has happily and rightfully claimed the serene refuge as her own.
This morning our demon dog was anxious and I didn’t exactly know why. So, after I let her out I picked up my coffee and took up a spot on the wonderful screen porch which is cantilevered over the yard and watched as today’s episode unfolded.
First act had Pearl Bailey walking the entire perimeter in a slow saunter with a great deal of sniffing added for highlight. Next, she took a sit under each palm tree and gazed up watching for any activity. Finally, she laid down in the center of the yard giving herself a good vantage point should anything require her immediate attention. And, that is when I figured it out!
Figured out what you say? I figured out what is at the root of Pearl Bailey’s obsession with Merle the Squirrel. You see, Pearl Bailey is out in her oasis about four times a day (and she can stay out for as long as she likes as long as a peaceful quietude is maintained). The rest of the day, she and her cohort, Ella Fitzgerald, are inside resting up for the next meal. It is during the unoccupied times in the yard that Merle has free reign. So this preoccupation that Pearl Bailey has for the rodent is really all about ‘who’s in charge!’ If Pearl Bailey is out there, she rules the roost, but if she is inside Merle can run amok.
So, when Pearl Bailey finally came back in after this morning bivouac, I asked her straight up, “Hey sister, you in charge out there?” She gave me a look of sarcasm which conveyed, “What do you think? Of course, I am!”
And, there you have it – right from the horse’s mouth!