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Monday, July 22, 2013

Changes - and Heart Dogs

When I went away to Bear Land, a couple of things changed at home. First, the Flycatchers, who nest under our deck every summer, had at least one nestling when I departed - and things seemed to be going smoothly for them. When I returned home, they had no babies in the nest (which was still intact), and they were building a new nest in a different spot under our deck. I assumed that their original nestling(s) died or were plucked from the nest by a predator. I felt very sad for them.

Mr. Flycatcher stared at me imploringly during breakfast one morning recently.
Believe it or not, within about 48 hours, they put together an exquisite new nest under our deck, and very soon thereafter, the female was incubating eggs. But then, another unknown tragedy struck, and they abandoned the nest.

I haven't dared peek in the nest to see what happened to their eggs because the pair is still hanging around our deck, acting as if they plan to try again. Both of the pair are sleeping in the trees near the deck. They chirp back and forth well into the night. They fly under the deck frequently to keep an eye on the nest.

I wonder what will happen. It's getting very late in the summer to start a family, especially with the very long migration awaiting them this fall. I'd adore to see them successfully raise a brood but I'm starting to wonder if it might be smarter for them to start preparing for migration. Mr. Flycatcher seems to disagree, as he guarded the nest this morning with all the enthusiasm that he did when they made their first nest.

I said that there were changes (plural) while I was gone. The other one was with Miss Shyla. She has become even more snuggly and attached to me than before. Where ever I am, she's next to me, just like K used to be. When I go out on the deck for breakfast, I pull a bed out for her, and she always joins me. I adore having her by my side.
She wants to snuggle whenever I lie down, and she lets out long contented sighs whenever I hug her. Her affection is infectious! I always had the feeling that we'd grow a super strong bond with time, and now I feel that the time for that bond is now.
I am getting an inkling that I may be one of those unbelievably lucky people to have more than one heart dog in a lifetime. K expanded my heart, making it big enough for ShyBear too.

24 comments:

  1. This is so cool! Shyla needs the security feeling connection for sure. Sophie is like this when we walk at the park. She just can't manage us being separated, she starts rounding us up every time. I try to calm her down.

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  2. Shyla is not only a Heart Dog, I feel her entire soul is totally dedicated to you. She is happy to be your constant companion either in the forest or the deck at home.
    You both are blessed.

    XO Cinnamon and Linda

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  3. I truly hope you have two heart dogs. I've had two, one being Miss Nola of course, the other a beautiful female Mastiff almost 10 years ago. My bond with both of them was and is incredible, but very different. I do feel my bond with Nola is much stronger, but they were both heart dogs. Nola is, to me, a soul dog. She has my heart, and my soul. I am very, very blessed.
    Nola's Mom

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  4. Oh, have I missed your photos!

    Your bird friends seem quite determined and I sure hope things work out for them. Third time's a charm, right?

    So glad your bond is so strong with Shyla!

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  5. What a heart-warming post! So sad about the flycatchers, but how thrilling to be able to see them up close like that. Great photographs of those sweet birds. And of course, of your sweet Shyla.

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  6. The photos of the sweet birdies is total amazement. Just look at their cute little faces. I know you worry about them-- And I hope everything does work out good for them.
    If Shybear could talk- I wonder what she would say. I really think there are no words to describe the love she has for you- and yes your both Daughters of the Mountains.
    love
    tweedles

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  7. Personally, I don't think there's a limit on heart dogs. I definitely think you can have more than one. It's happened to me!

    I hope the Flycatchers have better luck this time!

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  8. Those are some determined birds.
    I might have said this already butt... Pete was my MOM's Heart Dog. I am OK with that, because she always says I am her song. That does not mean I am less than Pete. She loves me with all she has, just as she did with Pete. Yes there can be more than one heart dog. And in my case MOM's heart added a song, me.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  9. Poor birds, but I do respect their resilience and determination.

    I like to think both Audi and Beamer are my heart dogs, but deep down, Beamer is my one and only. That doesn't mean I love Audi less, but Beamer and I have an incredible understanding. One look from the other and we know what they're thinking. I hope that I will find another connection like this in a dog if I were to get another.

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  10. Wonder why that happens. We had one wha made a nice nest then took off.
    Benny & Lily

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  11. What an incredible blessing from the Universe...to be gifted with two extraordinary soul sharing bonds! But I suspect it is not luck.

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  12. I didn't know what a heart dog was until I got Brut, but I have also been blessed with another heart dog Chance. Two heart dogs at the same time!

    So awesome to hear about you and Shyla. It's a beautiful thing. :)

    Like Pip said, I hope the third time for the flycatchers is a charm!

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  13. The tears are sliding down mom's cheeks once again. We are so happy for you, KB and Shyla!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  14. I am sure you remember this quote,
    RottRover uses it every day on their header with thanks to you:


    "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." --Unknown (thanks, KB)

    We are so lucky to have this love and nobility in our lives every single day. I am so happy you shared this with us, and that Lisa features it so I can read it every single day.

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo

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  15. Hi KB - this post made me smile and nod in understanding. One of my favorite sounds in the world is a dog sighing in contentment! It just feels so good inside to provide such a nurturing and stable environment for them - and to know they feel safe and happy, that is the most amazing feeling. I am SO HAPPY that you have Shyla, and that she has you! I still believe that K sent Shyla to you - she knew that over time, your heart would bond with hers.

    Take care,

    Diane and Indy Bones

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  16. Great post again...Lovely Picture. We have still great wheather. We have special bonds with every of our dogs....
    Got some Picture today of puppy Vilda and she is doing just fine

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  17. That's really sweet about Shyla being more bonded to you!

    I find that Blueberry is bonding to me more and more as well. It's really the little things I notice like just recently she started initiating play with me whereas before she really wasn't into it. She's also taken to following me everywhere she can. I wonder if since her last family obviously abandoned her to a shelter, it just took her some time to realize she could really trust me. Maybe it's the same for Shyla - trust is earned and you've definitely earned hers! :)

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  18. Well, this is good news and bad news. Wonderful news about how ShyBear has taken to you following a brief absense. But how sad for the little bird couple. Our neighbors had two sets of robins fledge this year from the same nest!

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  19. Howdy All, we love your little bird friends. We hope they make the right decision on whether to have more babies or not. They are lovely. We are so happy Shyla is showing you how much she loves you. It is a grreat feeling to be loved and give love in return. Take care everybuddy. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  20. this is a beautiful post. We have witnessed you and Shyla's relationship grow into something that not even words can explain. It can only be felt and understood with your heart. Thanks for letting us be a small part of it. :)

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  21. Beautiful. You made me cry -- because I'm another one of those unbelievably lucky people. What a blessing it is!

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  22. I'm sure that your having such deep connections with dogs is because you must also have a gentle spirit and loving nature and ability to accept them for who they are. I'd love to learn the same.
    Melon

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  23. Today I was thinking. We all know that K lives in your heart- and is a constant angel around you. But it dawned on me this morning as the sun was coming up- Angel K made room in your heart for Shyla.
    love
    tweedles

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  24. I'm so happy that you and Shyla are developing such a strong bond. I agree with houndstooth about there not being a "limit" on heart dogs. If we are open to seeing, accepting, and appreciating each dog for who they are--not constantly comparing them to the dogs who came before them--they can fill our hearts with love and gratitude.

    We have flycatchers that nest in one of our big pine trees every year, and nearly every year, ravens attack the nest. I think they've successfully raised some chicks, but it seems like the ravens have them on the map now. It's really hard to see nature in action sometimes.

    Susan and Wrigs

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