Chester

Meet our dog Chester.



He's a 3 1/2 year old Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie).

He LOVES (LOVES!) being outside. We have a fenced-in backyard, so he's outside much of the day during good weather. He has designated himself as Official Guard of the Backyard. As soon as we let him out, he tears around the perimeter of the yard at least once, checking for any new scents or sights that he needs to be aware of.

If there's anything moving in the yard he goes crazy! I think it's usual for dogs to try to chase squirrels or birds, which Chester, in fact, does. But that's not enough for Chester. He also chases and barks at falling or blowing leaves, falling snow, rain drops, water dripping off our trampoline, even the sound of the wind. He gets very intense and obsessed about it, like he's on an important mission.

He also does this funny leaping and pouncing thing. First he cocks his head and stares at the ground like he hears something. Then he leaps up into the air and pounces back down toward the ground as if attacking whatever it is that he "heard". He does this the most in the snow. It's hilarious, especially when he leaps several times in a row - he looks like he's bouncing across the yard. (makes me think of Tigger!)



He's a great dog and a great addition to our family.