The Dog Star: Deer Me

March 9, 2009

(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)

The dogs and I were completing our coffee run this morning, turning into the main gate. Koufax was riding shotgun, and Buddy was perched on the truck’s console. We cleared the gate and the three of us came face-to-face with three deer. The smallest was about the size of Koufax, though with slightly longer legs. The six of us just stared for about five seconds. Then the dogs went manic.

While I tried to control them and still watch the deer, which simply trotted around on the grass, I marveled at how many deer were living amongst us, just 60 seconds from Main Street, in wooded areas. The deer were curiously reluctant to leave, when I noticed that the dogs’ focus was not on them, but on two additional deer I hadn’t seen on the other side of the truck, near the bridge. The five joined, took another long look at the two apparently mad dogs, and wandered down by the creek.

I drove up to the house, and Koufax jumped out and headed for the door. Buddy Beagle made a frenzied charge, nose to the ground, trying to make up 200 yards on the deer. I caught Buddy before he caught them. Obviously.

There is a school bus I can see from my den window, through the rear yard’s trees, and a plane silently soaring away from the Providence Airport. And yet, not far away in the other direction, easily within site from other parts of the house, the deer are probably still grazing (or whatever deer do).

It’s refreshing on occasion to stop thinking about “challenging economic times” and just contemplate life. If the deer can survive and even thrive, so can we.