A burr is a seed or dry fruit in which the seeds bear hooks or teeth which attach themselves to fur or clothing of passing animals or people.  If you have a dog that ventures outside in autumn, then you certainly know what a burr is.

Some dogs like shepherds have what’s known as “self-cleaning fur” that repels dirt and burrs.  Other dogs like wired-hair terriers are “burr magnets” that attract every little thing. 

Our dog Darby is a walking, barking burr magnet.  Every day in the fall we have to spend 5-10 minutes cleaning burrs out of her fur.

If you climb onto our porch swing, you can be sure that our dog Shadow will try to join you!  Here Shadow enjoys a nice doggie sandwich between Di and Zadee.

A few summers back when our dog Darby still had puppy in her, she found a new large playmate.  Each day a female deer would come up into our yard and just stand there waiting for Darby.  I half expected the deer to come knock on our door and ask, “Can Darby come out and play?”

Darby would run out to greet the deer and stop at a safe distance of about 20 feet.  After a brief showdown, Darby would begin to run around the deer in tightening circles, eventually leading the deer to chase Darby around the yard.  Some days this would last for 10 minutes or more until one or both of them ran out of gas.

This funny scene went on for weeks until one day the deer actually caught Darby and rolled her several times.  Darby let out a couple loud yelps and ran to my side.  She was shaken but not stirred, and otherwise seemed fine. 

However, Darby wouldn’t play with the deer after that incident.  I guess she realized the consequences of playing with someone ten times your size and just as quick.

Here’s a video of Darby and the deer playing:

(Reprinted here with permission)

Darby loves belly rubs.  Whenever she wants a rub, she’ll simply flip over and wait for an unsuspecting victim.  She is rarely disappointed.  Except perhaps this time.  Who wants to rub a dirty belly?

Our two dogs Shadow (left) and Darby are best friends.  Of all the dogs in my life, I have never seen two dogs more in love with each other than these two.  Here they are spooning back-to-back for a little nap.