At the tender age of one, our Labrador Lila already has one huge regret. She cannot climb trees. Shrubs, yes. Trees, no. This regret surfaces each time she hears the cacophony of cockatoos. When these beautiful (raucous) white creatures float towards the gum tree in front of our house, Lila charges down the steps to greet them. (At least I hope that that’s her intention.) [read more below]
A rowdy gang perches beyond Lila’s reach. Screeching loudly and taunting her with unfurled sulphur crests and lifted wings. Lila stands on tiptoe with front paws high on the tree trunk. Snout up up up. Stretching towards that first branch. Wagging her tail, but barking with frustration. And the cockatoos squawk: Silly dog. You can’t climb a tree. Or fly.
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Love Lila, she is a beauty! However, I disagree with all due respect, that she and the cockatoos were chatting. The birds quite literally were sounding alarms and either trying to get Lila to go away, or they would leave, which is of course what they did. I always try to keep my domestic animals from ‘disturbing the peace’ of the wildlife, because it is rough in the wild! But cute, sweet dog!
July 27, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Thanks for your comment! And no I don’t think they were really chatting although you’d be surprised at how “interactive” our cockatoos can be. They’re very curious and sometimes even appear to have a sense of humour.
July 27, 2010 @ 1:35 pm