Every October 1st, as the sun rises across a quiet, mist-strewn stream in Central Maine and the variegated leaves silently fall, a yearly ritual is about to begin.
Waking late, I forget what day it is and think little of the time as I prep the dog for our morning walk...that is until the first rifle blast. And this, my friends, is the beginning of waterfowl season in Maine.
The next two months, from October 1st until deer season ends, is the time of year my poor dog HATES with a passion! She's terrified of gunshots, fireworks and dumptrucks. The minute that first shot rang out, she didn't care that she hadn't been out to pee since 9:00 last night...she'd hold it!
Thankfully there was a pause in the blasts, long enough for her to feel comfortable enough to do her business and then flat out run to the door, dragging me behind.
Now begins the predawn and post-dusk walking season for Sadie; when she begins hiding in the bedroom where she feels safe and secure from the noise. And with the predawn walks comes the earlier rising for me (ugh!) and skunk patrol (double ugh!), because skunks by flashlight beam look an awful lot like kitties and Sadie likes nothing better than chasing kitties!
So welcome October, in all your Autumn glory.
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