Brave Maremmas?

It was whilst I was in the greenhouse tying up our tomato plants that I heard Haze, our eldest Maremma furiously barking at something, with the other two just looking on. She was one side of our garden pond and focusing on the other side. I walked up the garden and saw a flash of something dart behind a planter and at first I thought it was a very young squirrel but as it came into sight I realised that it was in fact a weasel, only the third one I've every seen.

I know they're small but this one appeared very small so I guessed it was only a youngster. As I approached, it advanced on me and did a series of back flips and lunges towards me and by now, all three dogs who'd come racing over. The dogs were completely bemused, most creatures retreated in their book but not this plucky little creature who had no intention of becoming anyone's prey!

Needless to say it was us doing the retreating. I yelled for Tony to come and see and at that moment it made a dart for freedom, but Guido, braver than the others made a grab for it and immediately dropped it again, I grabbed an old dog bone which had a hole in each end and popped it over the weasel and after a few seconds it popped it's head out, it was the most enchanting sight. Why is it that you never have a camera when you need one?

Wanting to get this brave soul to freedom I tipped the bone over, told the dogs to "Leave" and by clapping my hands I managed to get it to scamper under the fence and into next door.

I think the dogs were quite pleased when it disappeared. Wolves? No problem. Weasels? No thanks!!!

When we thought about it later, we wondered if he was looking for water as it was during a very dry spell, he might think twice next time and find a drink elsewhere.

Penny Whatley