Part of being a mother, whether to an animal or human, is to teach our young ones how to protect themselves.  Our rescued cocker spaniel Leaf reminded us of that responsibility this week.
 
Now that it is spring, the crows have returned to our neighborhood. Since this is our first spring with Leaf, we hadn't thought about how these enormous black birds might view our tiny new family member.
 
One morning we let Leaf out in the backyard to take care of his bodily needs.  Linda suddenly had an inner nudge to go out and check on him. Linda stood on the back deck, watching Leaf sniff and enjoy spring dew on green grass.  Then she noticed a huge crow, the size of a hawk, perched on a high branch of a tree overlooking the yard.  The crow focused silently and ominously on Leaf.  He seemed to be thinking, "Breakfast!"
 
Linda immediately called to Leaf and brought him back in the house. Our little guy remained oblivious to the fact that he might have been tempting a predator with his small body.  So as good "pet parents," we had to sit down to have a talk with Leaf about the facts of life in a neighborhood with crows.
 
Ever since hearing our parental admonitions, Leaf has become more aware of his surroundings.  Before venturing to the backyard, he stands at the top of the steps on the deck and surveys the sky and tree branches.  After he is certain there are no crows around, he enjoys his outing.  We have been pleased to see that our little dog is a quick study in the ways of a world where danger lurks in unexpected places.