Walking the dog at least twice a day, everyday for almost 12 years is a chore I have had to do to be a responsible dog owner. I have favorite spots to walk him in the city that are close to wooded gullies and periodically I get to observe nature in National Geographic moments.
One of my most memorable moments was on an early morning walk when a coyote emerged from a clump of bushes about 10 feet in front of the dog and me. I was stunned. The dog was stunned. The coyote was completely unconcerned. He paused a second in his travels, looked squarely at the dog and I, then nonchalantly trotted off into the woods.
I have witnessed a red fox and a small groundhog locked in combat, twisting this way and that, hissing, growling and squealing. The red fox won.
I’ve had a hummingbird light on the red reel that I use when walking the dog. There I was with my hand clutching the reel and this little bitty bird sat about six inches from my hand. Another hovered nearby.
As many times as I have seen Canadian geese on the fly, when I hear them honking overhead, I still have to look up and watch.
These incidents are probably nothing to people who live in the country. But I am a city kid through and through. The closest I usually get to the country is driving through it on the interstate. When I get the chance to get close and personal with wild animals on my walks with the dog, it’s like they are allowing me in on their private world.

You might like to know:
Customers visiting PETCO Nov. 17 and 18 will receive 25 percent off all DC apparel fashion carriers and collars. To get the latest news from PETCO, to learn about incredible acts of animal kindness, or to locate a store near you, visit www.PETCO.com.

Metro East Humane Society in Edwardsville is having a Trivia Night and Silent Auction at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. All proceeds benefit MEHS. For more information, e-mail the shelter at info@mehs.org or call 656-4405.

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