This month marks the third anniversary of losing our beloved Australian Shepherd\u2014protector of small children, snack enforcer, and the Jedi guardian of our backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She kept peace in the land. She maintained order. She struck fear into the hearts of even the boldest squirrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, I miss her warm weight at the foot of the bed during late-night writing sessions. I miss the way she quietly made rounds through the house, making sure each member of the family was accounted for\u2014her version of a Jedi mind sweep, minus the robe. She was attuned to all things: feelings, moods, spilled popcorn under the couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But mostly, I miss her squirrel surveillance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have a massive tree in the backyard that draws squirrels like a beacon. Combine that with our lawn and its excellent nut-burying soil, and you’ve got a squirrel sanctuary. Back when our Jedi was on duty, they didn\u2019t dare set paw in her territory. I like to think they held a respectful silence after her passing. For a while, the yard was quiet. Peaceful. Too peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as it always goes in the galaxy, balance shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By fall, the scouts began to return. Stealthy at first. Then came the nests. Then the skirmishes. By spring, the trees were alive with squirrel drama\u2014leaping, chasing, stashing. By summer, they had fully reclaimed the territory. Tiny walnut shoots began sprouting up all over the yard, forgotten Easter Eggs from their chaotic campaigns. Without our four-legged Jedi\u2019s keen nose and swift justice, they went undisturbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three years later, our backyard has evolved. The squirrels rule the land again, darting through the grass like they own it. The birds provide the music. The tree is their base. It\u2019s lively. It\u2019s natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But every now and then, I still miss the bark of justice echoing through the yard. That noble sound that declared, \u201cThis is not the place you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She kept order. She kept us company. She kept the squirrels guessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s to Olive, our Jedi guardian, and to the backyard wilds that always find a way to rise again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you go, I stumbled across this \u201cexcerpt\u201d from the Dog Jedi Manual\u2014a little something for those of us who\u2019ve been lucky enough to live with a true four-legged Jedi. Feel free to print it, frame it, or just smile and nod knowingly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nJedi Dog Wisdom (Free Printable!)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n