今朝は雨雲とにらめっこしながらの散歩でした。公園へ向かう川沿いの歩道ではドウダンツツジの紅葉が始まっていました。
It was forecast to rain anytime today, so we went out for a walk all the time looking up the sky.
While out, Taiga behaves like a male dog, searching for any lingering scent of other dogs' urine and marking over it. After relieving herself first thing in the morning, she makes sure that she is left with enough to go around.
四中横の草地に着くと、久しぶりにパッチに会えました。ジャックラッセルの女の子で、現在12歳。タイガが公園デビューした頃、朝散歩でこの草地を一緒に駆け回っていました。タイガは今9歳半。お互い子犬だった時代は遥か昔でも、パッチが先輩としての上下関係はそのままです。タイガは耳をぺったんこにして挨拶。
When we arrived at the park, we saw Pacchi, a female Jack Russel Terrier. She is 12 years old now, and Taiga 9 1/2 years. When they were puppies, they played in this field every morning. After all these years, they remain good friends and, what's more, their relative position is unchanged, i.e., Taiga treats Pacchi as her superior.
おまけに「遊んで！」の誘いにも子犬のような仕草。
Taiga begs Pacchi to play, with her ears pushed back.
さすがに12歳のパッチは誘いに乗ってこない。
Pacchi being 12 years old, remains cool.
諦めないタイガ。
Taiga does not get the message.
ごめんね、パッチ、タイガがしつこくて。
そこへシェルティーのメイちゃんが到着したので、パッチは早速近寄って行きました。メイちゃんは今年の５月生まれの仔犬なので、まだ耳の先端を垂れさせるための耳セットが着いています。
We were joined by May, a female Sheltie puppy born in May this year. She still has the ear tape on.
メイちゃんの飼い主さんがオヤツを出したので、パッチとタイガが精神集中。
May's dad pulled out the treat and Pacchi and Taiga watched his hands eagerly.
先日の体重測定ショック以来、タイガはオヤツ無しの生活をしているので嬉しそう。
Taiga has been on a diet since she visited the vet's a few weeks ago and I do not give her treats any more. So, she looked extra happy.
