Bella's "Meet Your Neighbors" Program

May 8, 2008 at 1:24pm

John and I have always had good intentions about meeting and getting to know our neighbors. Over the years we have gotten better at it, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

This is definitely the friendliest place we have ever lived. Even before we had finished unpacking, our neighbors across the street came over on their golf cart and introduced themselves. Bubby and I met the self proclaimed mayor of “Hog Town” on a walk and stayed and talked for 20 minutes. Even the people at the voting poll and the local convenience store treat you like family. Everyone we have met so far has been very kind and welcoming. So, we have no excuse. Still, we are shy.

Leave it to Bella. We now find ourselves with the necessity of meeting every neighbor within a five mile radius as we try to locate the source of Bella’s latest conquest - chickens! Yes, our dog is bringing home chickens. Chicken #1 was promptly disposed of by her mother (me). She did not resist much when I pulled it away from her. Chicken #2 got away and is now hiding behind our shed. (See picture) Chicken #3 was not so lucky and has joined Chicken #1.

We went on a walk this morning. Still no luck locating the chicken owners. But we have leads on where to look next, and some dog sighting reports. “Oh, those are your dogs. I was wondering whose dogs those were. I see them all the time over there on the hill.” Hmmm.

UPDATE: 7:44pm. The chicken pictured here endured one more attack from Bella, then got away, unharmed. John brought home an invisible fence. We just got back from meeting a few more neighbors. Still no sign of any chicken owners. Someone said they sounded like game hens because of their color (black and brown) and that perhaps they are wild. They have seen wild turkeys around here. Also, we learned that one of our neighbors has a reputation for shooting dogs for sport. So, yeah, we are going to be using that invisible fence!

John just walked in to say that the brown chicken is in our shed. Has she adopted us? Not too bright.