Shawty is a Killer

   I've said it before and I'm sure I'll have to say it again, it's a huge bummer living with a talented killing machine. Aki is just following her instincts, but I hate that she murders other animals. She was so proud of this bird that she caught on Sunday afternoon, that she was fiercely defending it from Taylor (who was hiding on the upper level of the deck) and Kismet (who was inside, behind glass, not that it stopped Aki from rushing her and snarling)... And from me. She moved in close and watched me suspiciously as I took this photo. She curled her lip as I lifted her prize and carried it off to dispose of it.
   I think this leaves us at 5 birds, 2-3 possums, 2 bunnies, 1-2 squirrels, several cicada killer wasps, and likely more than 3 mice (Atom & Kismet argue over who caught some of those). A valiant attempt at many hummingbirds (though to my knowledge—and relief—she has missed. A couple of turtles I've saved in the nick of time—she doesn't understand how turtles work is is ridiculously fascinated by them. And she has very nearly caught 2 raccoons, the most recent being last Thursday morning, when a raccoon was traversing the yard and just barely made it on top of the fence in time to save itself.
   Trying to appreciate the talent it takes to do all this, even if the result is distasteful. Thank goodness I saw the large coyote at Shawnee Mission Park on Saturday... and NOT at home!
   Kelly stopped by yesterday to check in with everyone while I ran to an appointment, and sent me this: "Aki came within 6 inches of killing another bird yesterday. It flew off
just as her jaws came down on it. Taylor never left my side, except for when he was eating. Kismet got some treats and was happy. So I enjoyed my time with your pets." So at least yesterday ended well.  :)