tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3284974424559143648.post1736246964428344391..comments2023-05-11T05:13:52.835-07:00Comments on The Valley Ripple: Dog Tales…T.M.Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918557389921159736noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3284974424559143648.post-90167558383689902072013-02-15T10:47:01.401-08:002013-02-15T10:47:01.401-08:00Ah, ha, CF. Always the scientist, aren't you! ...Ah, ha, CF. Always the scientist, aren't you! You are correct, of course, and I defer, as always to science. I used the word in a more general sense as in "mischief-causing--you know, like a "pack" of teens on a TP-ing mission.I suppose one could refer to many dogs on the loose as a "bunch," but believe most would use the collective noun "pack" to refer a number of roaming dogs, regardless whether they exhibit "coordinated efforts" or are just along "for the ride."<br /><br />You make a a good point with your "dogs vying for dinner plates" scenario and the self-serving behavior of the modern dog. When I was a teen living on the ranch, one of the hands--and a friend--had two golden retrievers (Dusty and Goldie). Unfortunately their master contracted TB and had to spend a month in a Spokane sanitarium. I--unfortunately--volunteered to care for them in his absence. He gave me money for canned food and come feeding time, I would open two cans, place the contents of each on a paper plate, set the plates on the floor of the empty picker's cabin, and bolt for the door before the air filled with flying fur and dogfood as each would rush the other's dish; I'm surprised they both didn't starve!<br /><br />So please excuse my liberal use of the word in deference to "artistic license," (Thank goodness you can't see my hang-dog expression. Perhaps The Ripple should be called the Valley Enquirer??)<br /><br />Coyotes? Are they pack animals? They seem to be loners (like wolverines). Perhaps they're mid-stream evolution-wise between wolves and familiaris?? Thanks for the comment. TMJ T.M.Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05918557389921159736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3284974424559143648.post-75549254792133567432013-02-14T23:10:15.524-08:002013-02-14T23:10:15.524-08:00Ah, but, "chase in a disorganized group"...Ah, but, "chase in a disorganized group" is different than pure, cooperative pack hunting, and the orderly sharing of a meal that ensues when a wolf pack dines. <br /><br />As for dogs, the distance between them you need to maintain in the kitchen to keep them from killing each other over licking the dinner plates- that's a telltale sign- they are more selfish scavenger than collaborative pack mate. Or so the prevailing theory goes.<br /><br />I think when a group of dogs happens to find temporary interest in each others' company, and then they are presented with the opportunity of a flock of chickens, it's every dog for himself. In my house, if two dogs find themselves alone with a roast, often a fight erupts before either one can take the first bite! ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com