Cheeky Gophers!

Near sculpture garden at U of SK,  2020

We were surprised to have dinner guests when we took our picnic to a riverside bench. These cheeky fellows immediately surrounded us, and we were soon highly outnumbered. They curiously stood upright on their haunches, and gently nudged at our feet and ankles to let us know they had food radar! Obviously, they had training from previous bench-warmers. We delighted in their presence and crazy antics like squeals and tumbles that provided dinner entertainment. Currently, without any pets, we miss those special interactions. But, we can find connections with animals... by feeding the squirrels, tossing bread to the pigeons in the park or to seagulls at the beach, playing with our neighbors' dogs, observing the birds in the trees or at a bird feeder, snuggling a purring kitten, and maybe even trying a goat yoga class ... We have much to learn from animals. Bonding, spending time with, or just appreciating them in nature is such fun, and sure to enhance our well-being.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, she finds it attached to the rest of the world." 
~ John Muir



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