The Leaf Pile Was Moving. The Spaniel Knew Exactly Why.
Crunch, rustle, peep. A parti-color Cocker Spaniel with long, silky ears is peering down at a drift of autumn leaves, and the leaves are full of ducklings. They tumble through the orange and gold pile in a wobbly line, one of them half buried at the front, while the spaniel studies them with a soft, serious face as though she is working out the rules of the game. A bowl and a pair of shoes sit by the wall, a reminder that this is an ordinary house where something wonderful has simply wandered in.
Cocker Spaniels were bred as bird dogs, which makes this scene a little extra interesting. Their noses are keen and their instincts are strong, but their reputation is for a sweet, cheerful and eager-to-please nature. Many spaniels are gentle with other animals when they are raised with patience, yet the old hunting drive is still in there. Introducing a spaniel to birds takes time, leashes and a calm adult in charge, and talking with a trainer can help.
Those long, feathered ears deserve a mention too. They need regular brushing and a gentle check for dirt after outdoor play, especially in leaf season, since debris and moisture can collect near the ear.
Autumn leaves, a thoughtful spaniel and a row of fluffy explorers make a pretty good definition of a perfect fall afternoon. Nobody is in a hurry to rake.
