I showered and after I got downstairs I let them out of their crates. Needless to say, the barking continued. I didn't see a thing in the yard... not a thing! But the barking persisted. As you can imagine, I was starting to lose it. At one point, I looked into the yard again and there it was - a groundhog running under the turkey wire into the neighbor's yard! Well, now I knew the reason for the barking but couldn't stop it.
Not being able to think clearly after an hour (or more) of barking I called my husband. He suggested that I let them outside so they could sniff where the groundhog was. I figured it couldn't hurt and let them out. I have to say, it was not an easy task. Poly gets a training collar and a leash and she was having none of it. She kept running away from me. I finally got it on her - whew! Now to get them to sit before I open the door (they always have to sit before going out). Again, Poly was having none of it. Casey is pretty good about it, but Poly usually needs a little encouragement. With the presence of the groundhog, Casey spent a little time doing his vertical jump and Poly spent time running back and forth, in and out of the kitchen (where the door to the yard is).
I finally got them hooked up and ready and I opened the door. I don't think I've ever seen them run that fast! They took off to the corners of the yard and sniffed their little noses off. When it was time to come in, they did so without issue and then both went to lay down in their spots. Thank you, dear husband!
Believe it or not, Poly has begun barking again so I must go and figure out if the groundhog has returned. I do have to say, he's not a very intelligent groundhog - there are two fairly good sized dogs in our yard... why run around in it? I guess he's about as bright as Punxatawney Phil -- did Spring actually come early for you?? I've said enough!
