Just as I was about to take the dogs out, I noticed him/her on the other side of the fence. Ran back in to get camera, it still hadn't noticed me and I quiety and slowly walked to the fence. I got within 3 feet and took this picture. It then turned and ran up a small tree. We had a "conversation" about how I would really like it to leave and not come back. It was so cute, as if it was listening, I was about 4 feet from it.

Since it was up the tree, I decided to go back and let the dogs out. Trust noticed right away, and it went a little higher up in the tree. I don't know if this was the same one, and as it turned out, later in the day, it was up in a different large maple tree behind the house.

We watched, and when it came down last night, David went out with a broom and swatted its little bum along further into the forest...for what that's worth....

It's certainly limited our dog walks into the bushes or forest where we don't want to "surprise" it.
We've had an unplanned meeting a few years ago with one, and it's not a fun experience! Hopefully, it's just moving through....

Rewards after tracking...

No matter how much your dog loves to track, there always has to be a reward afterwards. We played with Blasts' favorite ball immediately after finding his article. Tracking is hard work, mental as much as physical. Today, we took a quick trip to the beach on the way home as well.

I didn't want him swimming out to the ducks!!! so attached his long tracking line to his collar. This was our first water adventure of the season, and I swear he loves water more than most retrievers. He found a stick to amuse himself in the water, letting it float away a few feet, and then pouncing on it.

Well, I did have other things to do, much to his dismay. I had just called him out, and he's giving me his "please, just a few more minutes" look. It was fun while it lasted!!!