Porch Thoughts, 3 June 2014

You have probably heard of Punxsatawney Phil and Octorara Orphie. I would like to introduce you to Grandview Gary, if I could find him. I last saw him by the shed in our neighbor’s yard, sunning himself and chewing some clover. He – or she – is a very happy ground hog. I do apologize if Gary is a girl; we just haven’t been formally  introduced.

I like Gary. I think he is rather young; he isn’t nearly as big as those famous guys on TV. He has a lovely big nose and long brown fur. His tail is about eight inches long and furry as well. He was scurrying along the fence beside the alley when I first saw him. He stopped at the corner of the shed and stood up to look around. His paws brushed the wall while he looked up at the roof. I said, “hello,” but he seemed very shy. He ducked behind the red paneling, but poked his nose out after a few minutes. Then he stepped away from his cover and stretched out on the grass on his belly. I respected his wish for privacy and didn’t try to engage him in conversation again.

 Seeing Gary has answered a few questions we’ve had lately. We had several near sightings -those flashes at the corner of the eye, just a few leaves moving where you thought you saw something . Thank goodness it wasn’t a rat. Our bird bath is actually a row of three bowls at different levels, and the lower two have been full of mulch and soil every morning.  Apparently, Gary takes a little bath during the night. He must be tripping our motion detecting light as well. Maybe he sings show tunes while bathing in the spotlight.

I made my husband promise me he wouldn’t hurt my new friend before I told him about Gary.  I was thinking of calling the PA Wildlife Management Department, but I’m not sure I trust them. I would like to see Gary trapped and released out in state game lands. He probably lived in the area at the end of the block where new houses appear daily. He deserves a new home. There are probably quite a few animals in need of relocation from that old farm. They had squatter’s rights in my opinion. 

Gary reminds me of my Dad. Not because of his appearance! Sometimes when we were riding in the car, Dad would spot a ground hog just off the road, running out into a field. While pointing him out, Dad said that they run as though they are singing “tweedle-dee-dee, tweedle-dee-dee.”  If you ever see a ground hog run, you’ll know it’s true. Dad also called them gophers or whistle pigs; I don’t know why, but I am grateful for his lessons. For this is the magic my parents gave me as a child. Ground hogs sang while they ran, raccoons were wearing masks. Animals belonged here, and in some places we didn’t belong – the space was theirs. Dad taught us to care about animals and monitor our behavior in their world. And although we had a home in the suburbs, we had no concept of running out of space. We were surrounded by woods and farmland. We believed there was room enough for everybody, and we could all get along.

So Gary is welcomed to my yard, until we can get him to a safer place for young ground hogs. He has every right to some tasty flowers and a long, cool drink. And if he really needs a bath, I’ll see if I can find a bigger tub. Then I’ll camp out and watch for the show.