Squirrel joins my dogs and me on our walk

What fun I had when a squirrel joins my dogs and me on our walk!

Fun with a squirrel when I was a kid

Last time I played with a squirrel was when I was a kid visiting my Nana and Papa in Geneva, New York. I had just gone outside to run around the neighborhood. As he was sitting on the porch, Papa noticed a squirrel coming down a tree and running towards me.

For some reason, I turned around to chase the squirrel back up the tree. Papa commented, “You know, that squirrel is playing with you!”

Papa was right – I felt as if the squirrel was saying, “It’s my turn to chase you.” So I ran away when he came back down the tree to chase me. And then I chased him back up the tree. We continued this back and forth for a while. I had a lot of fun.

It’s a fond memory.

More squirrel fun as an adult

So last week, when I walked my dogs Molly and Newt up Holland Road, I had a similar special encounter with a squirrel. I noticed her being very interested in us. I’m going to call her Hazel.

Hazel came down the tree she was in and began to run parallel to us. And Molly, who loves to lunge and bark at squirrels, did her thing.

Being smart, Hazel stayed out of Molly’s reach. She knew Molly would love to chase her if Molly had a chance. I chuckled as I said, “No way, Molly! This will be a friendly walk with Hazel!” (Newt was like, “Whatever, let’s get our walk on, folks!”)

Amazingly, Hazel continued to follow us. Each time Molly started her “must bark and try to lunge at squirrel” routine, Hazel ran up the nearest tree and then came down to run with us once we passed the tree. She continued this behavior for about a block, running up four trees. Finally, she was done and wandered off.

Best of all, I knew I wasn’t making this up because Hazel ran and played with us on three more walks. I got the feeling she loved teasing Molly knowing I wouldn’t let Molly off leash. She knew she was safe.

Have you had fun with a wild animal?

Have you had a similar encounter with a wild animal who was willing to interact with you in a friendly manner? I’d love to hear about it! Please share your story with us below.

I love helping with troublesome or worrisome issues with your own beloved animal companions.

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