Christmas Came Early

Riley has long had two arch nemesis. One is light. He hates light and can't understand why it torments him so. Any reflections from watches, glasses, or just the incandescent light from a lamp are his prey. It drives him crazy.

The second is a more formidable foe (because there could actually be a winner in battle). Riley also hates birds. He loves to spot a few birds out in the yard, go to the back door, whine until we open it, and sprint across the yard in an unsuccessful attempt to capture one. A few times he has jumped so high that we thought that he could catch one if only his timing were a little better. He's killed snakes and rabbits, but never a bird.

Today, on my way out the door for Friday grocery shopping I went to the back door and called the dogs inside. I heard Riley first, like always the quick scamper of his tiny paws hit the concrete porch first, he rounded the corner and appeared at the door. He was not alone. He entered the house with a grey bird in his mouth. I freaked out, and then proceeded to laugh myself silly as I called AP, grabbed the camera, kicked Riley outside, and celebrated with him. This is a big day, one that he's been waiting for all 4.8 years of his life.