The porch has been dogged

This is the time of year when squirrels are building their winter nests from branch ends they gnaw from our hickory and oak trees.

There are lots of fumbles that result in the yard being littered with leafy branch ends. When they fall within the fenced area of the back yard, they become dog toys – something to be dragged onto the screened back porch through the dog door and chewed to bits.

The porch was swept clean a couple of weeks ago, but Jack and Dora – mostly Dora – have trashed it, along with their legitimate dog toys, an elk horn and beef shinbones.

Maria’s parents are coming to visit in a week or so, which means the porch will be swept clean and maybe even pressure washed.

So the dogs can start again with a clean slate.