Ted's Blog

Susan's dog, Beacon, invented a game they play when they go on walks. Beacon will find a pine cone, pick it up, walk with it for a little while, and then drop it. In a few steps Susan will catch up to it and kick it. By that time Beacon has stopped and, facing Susan, is set up like hockey goalie to try and stop the pine cone. Whether it gets past Beacon or not she gets the pine cone in her mouth again and walks with it. The game starts again as she carries it for a few seconds and then drops it on the street for Susan to kick again. Beacon only plays this game (or with pine cones) while they are on walks because really it only works on walks. And her other dog, Belle, never plays the game. If a pine cone isn't available sometimes Beacon will use a magnolia pod. After she does the game five times or so, she will stop playing and that's the end of the game. This didn't take any training, it's just something Beacon does. It's a great adpatation of fetch except that Beacon knows she doesn't have to bring the pine cone back, just drop it and Susan will catch up.