Lazarus and the Owl

[FullerH]

There was a story on NPR's "Morning Edition" show this morning about a toy poodle that had me in stitches. The individual telling the story, Baxter Black, described how miniature dogs had had all of the larger relatives' courage, hardiness, and grit distilled into them in large doses by the selective breeding that down-sized them. But he went on to note that this down-sizing brought out some unfortunate aspects, such as yippiness, nippyness, and general bad behavior. He gave as an example a toy poodle owned by a rancher woman and soundly hated by all other members of the family for the above character attributes. One day, the woman and her dog came home from a trip and the woman walked into the house while the dog wandered off to see to doggy things. He did not, however, come back that afternoon.

For two or three days, the family searched for the dog, putting up posters, making phone calls, all the while the rest of the family hoping that they had seen the last of the obnoxious critter. On the third day, there was a yip at the door and there was the toy poodle, somewhat the worse for wear, but looking accusingly at the people as if they had somehow let it down. The veterinary turned up the fact that, while the dog had some puncture wounds from what appeared to be the talons of a large bird, and various bruises and contusions, it was in remarkably good health.

The speculation is that the dog had been picked off by an great horned owl who was carrying it off to eat. The family figured that the dog was behaving in its usual nasty manner by barking and nipping at the owl so badly that the owl decided that it was too much of a bother and dropped it. Now, they call the dog "Lazarus" as he was raised from the dead and ask the owner to tell them about "Lazarus and the Owl."

you can listen to the original version here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4475010

 

[Esav Benyamin]

That's an interesting problem for a small dog. There aren't that many predators who fall into the category of prey so easily. The weasels are in the same bind -- so small they are easy pickings even for predatory birds.

I wonder if the rest of the family doesn't accidently lock the little yapper out more often now.

 

[FullerH]

I might be tempted to do that, but then living with its owner might not be possible. You would be surprised how attached some become to their little beasts.

 

[tarsier]

"Something that evil must taste bad..."

And this from a species that preys heavily on skunks.