PANDEMONIUM

There was hardly a cloud in the sky above the upper Merrimack Valley where temperatures peaked around 69 degrees.  Winds were moderate, so I opted to take K-Lee along the Merrimack River's "edge growth" to see what we could find. 

Yesterday, we were farther north along the river, where we came upon a gaggle of Canada geese feeding in a cornfield.  (K-Lee is struggling with remaining "still" in the presence of birds. For her, that's not easy!)  We approached carefully and K-Lee behaved well.  She remained at "heel" and didn't quiver and whine as much before.  To help her stay with me, I attached her leash. I was pleased that there was no pulling on her end.  The geese stayed just out of shotgun range.  As part of this "palette",  a few Mallards left in a hurry, a snow goose passed overhead and a coyote trotted along the edge of the field.  All in all, yesterday was a good day.  I called it quits before I pushed her too far.

Today, we chose another intervale and worked our way south along the riparian growth, looking for transient birds.  We found no woodcock, but plenty of ducks and a few Canada geese.  

At one spot, K-Lee pointed about 35-40 mallards and a goose or two that were lounging in a flooded slough.  In less than several heartbeats, it seemed like the entire river erupted with noisy waterfowl!  Needless to say, it put K-Lee over the "edge" and she gave chase.  It was pandemonium!  My initial thought  was to shout "whoa" and try to stop her.  Instead, I decided to let her discover that she was engaged in a futile exercise.  Dogs can't swim as fast as birds can fly.  I'm still at odds with myself as to which was the correct course.  Dogs can easily injure themselves by chasing, and they can spook up other birds in the vicinity.  Besides, it's just bad manners.  Fortunately, she was immediately in the river and pushing water like a naval destroyer.

Barely repentant, she came back to me.  I put her at "heel" to give her time to calm down and consider the error of her ways.  After a short walk, I released her.  My mistake!  She found a small flock of black ducks and put them to wing. (I'm not sure if the ducks went up and she gave chase or if she chased and then they flew.  Either way, my patience was worn too thin.)  Back at "heel" she went and we exited the (once) game-rich environment as I explained to her --in very unhappy terms--the "shame!" of it all.  

I took her to another location where I though there might be woodcock and snipe.  Apparently there were woodcock in the area earlier, but none today.  She did point a snipe in the wet field, which brought me back to the happier side of the day. 

K-Lee doesn't tend to chase "planted" birds, but wild ones seem to ring her bell--particularly waterfowl.  That may be because they splash, quack and honk  their way into the air.  

Regardless, it looks like we'll have time to learn proper manners this summer.  She and I are going to spend a lot of time in the field and in the Great North Woods.  I have the necessary permission from "headquarters".

Point!

CARRYING CAPACITY

Recently our family went through the "in-home hospice care" and the "passing" of my mother. Cascading emotions and behaviors came into play when the needed "in-home 24/7 care" doubled from what was expected. We began to need "outside help".  That's when members of her church--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)--stepped up to the plate.  

They were magnificent! These "Angels of Mercy" clothed as everyday citizens freely gave their aid.  Day after day, they provided help well into the night and even into following days.

I asked myself, "This world is filled with 'my', 'me', 'mine' and all other forms of selfishness, but these people aren't.  Why?  What makes them so different?"  It was then that I had a "mini-revelation"--an "epiphany". The words came to my head "Carrying Capacity".  I felt a rush of understanding as I realized that these people had served all their lives in one capacity or another.  They were experienced in helping others.  

When Mormons agree to be baptized, they also agree to "bear one another's burdens" to make them light.  This simple covenant seems to be the basis for God building up a strong people--with large "carrying capacities".  When everyone was losing their perspective and focus, the Latter-day Saint people calmly ministered with the capacity of professionals.  Helping where needed, they were outstanding.  They were a "blessing".

A little help here??

Carrying capacity (my definition/examples): the ability of a structural beam to support a physical load; the ability of a truck to carry a load; or the ability of a person to endure and carry a physical or emotional load.  

 It seems that the more we engage in such behaviors of service, the stronger and more capable we become.

These individuals were focused on "service"--helping others to bear their burdens and to improve their lives.  It is part of their religion and done on their own time.  To these Latter-day saints, serving others was serving God.  They were confident and skilled.

The beginning of "Hold"

Pups and "Carrying Capacity":  The principles of developing "carrying capacity" also apply to training our pups.  The more a puppy is provided with meaningful, fun, and learning moments; the greater becomes its capacity to do work, to exert self-discipline and become an obedient and cooperative animal--in other words, greater becomes the pup's "carrying capacity".  Genetics are a great starting point, but beyond that lies much required training and repetition, fun, rewards, and encouragement.  If you want a great hunting companion or simply a great canine companion, spend the necessary time and allow nothing to over-ride your commitment.  It may be painful at times, but a soft hand, soft voice, measured instruction with praise and  rewards will get you where you want to be.  K-Lee and I are working on that, and her "carrying capacity" improves every month as we work together. 

Maybe someday, K-Lee and I will have the "carrying capacity" that those Latter-day Saints displayed--a capacity beyond measure...maybe.

Boston Massachusetts Temple - of the "LDS" Church