It’s a dog’s duty – and no one appreciates it. When intruders invade our space, we bark. It’s in our genes. Telling us not to bark is a complete waste of time and energy, and a smart human would simply give up and let us do what comes naturally.
There’s my squirrel bark. Don’t even get me started on those little teases. Coming oh so close, only to scamper up a tree and chatter at me. Grrrr… My squirrel bark is high pitched, maybe a little too excited, but what’s a dog to do?
Then there’s the other dog bark. I mean, seriously? If a strange dog walks past the house, am I supposed to sit there and not say a word? I don’t think so!
The doorbell really sets me off, resulting in a barking frenzy. There’s just something about that loud ding that turns me into a lunatic – or so I’ve been told.
Then there are the coyotes that yip from the meadow, just begging me to come get them. Barking isn’t a sufficient response, but my people won’t let me chase them. As if those mangy creatures could hurt me!
Probably the most bark-worthy occasion was the night the bear sat on our deck, licking the barbecue. The nerve! I nearly barked myself horse, and that bear didn’t even move. Not even after my human turned on the light. I’m having palpitations just thinking about it!
Who’s with me on this? Shouldn’t a dog be allowed to bark?
Ginger
15 comments:
When you put it like that Ginger, you should bark as much as you want.
I loved the post. Tell your human I stopped by. Oh before I leave here's a treat.
Hi Jannine and Ginger!
We had a dog who never barked. He was just a big beautiful, quiet dog. Then one day he must have grown into his true self because he let out the deepest and loudest bark in the world! All he needed to do was one bark to get his point across.
After that he'd bark at anyone who came to the door, and for some weird reason at little kids. His bark was enough to scare the beejesus out of anyone.
YET he was a gentle soul. Very sweet dog and we miss him so much.
Thanks for giving us the lowdown on why you do what you do, Ginger. Now tell your owner to give you a treat!
I'd rather hear a dog bark anytime than a mechanical sound. A barking dog is a natural sound, which seldom annoys me. Mechanical sounds on the other hand--lawnmowers, chainsaws (in particular), vehicles and the like--are more inclined to grate on my nerves.
Besides, dogs are supposed to bark. That's how they communicate.
Rusty here, Ginger. You have it dead on. When UPS or the mailman try to invade our space my barking drives them away. I've been successful every time so why does Brenda tell me 'no bark'. Thanks for speaking up for us. Oh and PS. I totally wrecked my leg chasing a squirrel out of the yard - isn't barking less costly?
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. I'm glad you can all appreciate my point here.
In my experience, big dogs are usually softies, Lynne. So sorry you lost your friend.
Have you heard the fake dog bark people use at their empty vacation houses? As if any self-respecting bear would fall for that!
Rusty, my UPS girl always leaves a treat with the package. I adore her! Sorry about that leg. Hope you're back in action again.
Ginger
Most certainly a dog should be allowed to bark! I know my dogs bark, also. I don't have any problem knowing when someone drives up the driveway. Although I have to say, I've never had a bear in my back yard. I can only imagine what they would do with that sight!
Cute post! Our dog, Chase, is an 85pound boxer-mix. He's not quite two years old and is so gentle. He actually gets scared when he sees a cat sitting on a porch or lawn as we pass by.
But he does have a loud bark. He barks when he hears another dog bark or hears noises outside the house. He also has a different, high-pitched bark when he's in he bark yard and wants in.
The truth is, he scares strangers because they look at him and think he's big and fierce, but all he'd do if he could get to them is lick them. lol
Lovely meeting you, Ginger. I had a beautiful Boxer who only barked if a stranger tried to enter our yard. Such a good girl, Keisha Lin was. Then there was her counterpart, Cherokee- she barked at everything...including the sightless wind!
I don't disagree with you, sweetie but why can't all dogs say their piece and then pipe down?
*waves* Hi Jannine! :)
That's our job, Jerri, telling you someone is coming. Sounds like your dogs are on top of it!
Grandma has a cat. Truthfully he makes me a little nervous, not to mention excited. I NEVER bark at him. So I don't blame your dog for his caution, Susan.
Hmmm, Calisa, it has been suggested to me more than once that enough is enough already!
Ginger
My dog Nibby says it's nice to hear from someone who gets it!
Go Ginger!
Lovely post Ginger. My dog Lou is kindred spirit. She has a special hate for the post man, unless she meets him on the street and he offers her a treat!
Jana
Hello Nibby and Lou,
My personal nemisis is the cable guy. Something about him turns me into a maddog!
Ginger,
Heidi here. You are so right, girlfriend.
All good reasons for you to bark. And don't let anyone tell you different.
Love your column, Ginger!
Thanks for visiting, Heidi/Margo and Regina!
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