Goat heads!

This Friday morning was a hint of fall to come. Evening showers cooled the air and even the pups had a bounce in their step.

DH had overslept (something I can almost count on - on Friday) and he joined us.

We were surprised at the puddles left from the rains. It has been so hot and dry that we expected the raindrops to evaporate before hitting the ground. [Perhaps we can skip watering the outside plants today.] And we knew before we had made it to the park that a walk down the dirt road was out of the question. Our last walk had disclosed animal tracks in the almost one inch deep layer of loose dirt on the surface of the road. This rain would turn that into a muddy, slippery mess.

But the deer came to us. As we passed our usual "turn around" spot I noticed dark shadows between the edge of the woods and the edge of the fog  that blanketed the playing fields. Our weak flashlights threw enough light to reflect in the eyes of the creatures. As we drew closer, they moved off into the brush, at least three does and one fawn.

Our silly guys were just happy to be out today.

Scruffy's gait looked odd. "Don't you think Scruffy is limping?" asked DH. Then Scruff stumbled.

I suspected and then confirmed my suspicion - stickers - Scruff had two goat head burrs* in his paw.

I hate sticker burrs and despise goat heads. They seem to hurt worse than other burrs and are especially sturdy and hard to remove...hate them, hate them, hate them...

Paddy, attention hog, interfered with my efforts to maneuver close enough to lift Scruff's left front paw. She always wants the pats and water and treats. So I held her close with my left elbow, reached over her with my right arm, grabbed Scruff's leg and brought the paw to my left fingers to feel for and remove the burrs. It was like a game of Twister.** I won.

Stickers gone, Scruff resumed his excited trot and we four wandered home to start this Friday.


Notes:

2 cats
4 deer
2 demon goats head burrs

* These - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris
   Not these - http://www.zazzle.com/goat_head_stickers-217161648680765985


**http://boardgames.about.com/od/twister/Twister.htm

Goat heads in a tire from Soapchat.net