Cross-species Jokesters: Australian Magpie & Mutt

[jesse_the_k]

While my girl spends time sleeping, sleeping, limping, and sleeping, there are still energetic dogs on the internet.

These pets—Sqwark and Whiskey—were videoed by their owner Bonnie Thomson in Australia.

Energetic play between large black bird with white wings, head, and underbelly and small white dog with brown head markings. They nip each other's heads, they roll on their backs in doggie-submission; the bird strafes the dog with bits of grass; it's clear they enjoy the other's company.

Comments

[sonia]

Sweet!

[redbird]

Thanks, for the cool video and for actually telling me what it's a video of. (Too many people think "here's something cute" or even "hey, look at this" is sufficient.)

[jesse_the_k]

It comes naturally since I've started using a tablet for my web-reading, and have experienced a similar reaction to the minimalist description. Won't click if you don't invite me :,)

[chanter1944]

Awww. My first reaction, because I'm predictable like that, is I didn't know you had a puppydog! Hi puppy. :) ... Presuming the description of the icon means a fuzzeh canine, anyway.

[jesse_the_k]

Indeed I do — in fact she's my default icon, but I'm still so giggly about icons that she rarely makes an appearance.

She's old and slow and moans in her sleep now. Fourteen years ago she leapt into our arms and laps at the Humane Society, and we couldn't say no. She's an Australian Cattle Dog (aka Blue/Red Heeler) who doesn't conform to the breed standard in looks (taller legs, thinner body; blue, red, and black coat) but sure as hell does in behavior. What a runner! What a clown! What a muzzle puncher and ankle nipper! What an alpha bitch! What a smart dog. She's so protective of us that we had to avoid the dog park for a few years to prevent "flossing." (What serene dog owners call dogs doing that very loud growl-shriek-teeth clatter when they bite but don't draw blood. Sounds worse than it is, but non-serene owners freak right the fuck out, and I'm one of them.)

She's been losing her hearing gradually but around a month ago it all went, which presents interesting communication challenges. I always trained her with both signs and voice commands—deafness runs in the ACD genotype—but getting her attention enough so she'll see the signs is a hell of a thing.

Your Mellow Yellow pic captures the essence of 'relaxed dog." Was s/he a working dog as well as an object of beauty and cause for adoration?