A chipmunk had the temerity to show up in Bud’s yard space. There was a wild chase around the yard, and the chipmunk made it to a maple tree rushed way up.

This is a call to war for Bud; he lives for this. Every summer, he locks onto a chipmunk and hunts them day and night if he can. He has never caught one or really come close, but that is our secret.

He is diligent, stalking, circling, even trying to climb up. The chipmunks usually drive him crazy, skittering down when he’s in the house and then taunting him, popping up here and there, darting into holes and tunnels, climbing way up a tree.

Sometimes, he barks indignantly up the tree; the chipmunk is not impressed.

Bud lives for this; he has great fun and purpose. I enjoy seeing him so happy and engaged. At times I wonder if the chipmunk is real or imagined, but I saw this one this morning, leading Bud on a merry chase around the yard and finally up this tree.

But was telling him off as I took this photo.