Space Issues

I heard it from the distance, faint but familiar and so did The Finch.  Before I could turn up the music to drown the sound, Finch had sailed off the bed in full on attack mode.  IT was in the backyard...

Atticus has had a few nemesis throughout his almost 9 years on this earth.  Maxwell, the beloved hound of our next door neighbors.  Sierra the darling black dog down the street, who belongs to one of Ann's favorite pals.  But, nothing, I mean nothing compares to his deep hatred for the hound on the other side of the backyard fence.  Thankfully enough this hound doesn't live there full time, but when he/she is there....god help us all....

I am not sure when the fence fighting first began, but I do seem to remember our dear sweet Emma was an part of the original fun bunch.  I can't say as I blame them, the yipping style bark of IT is shrill, persistent, and gets on my last nerve.  I have seen this dog through the fence once, it is the size of one of Finch's stuffed animals.  And, I think Finch knows it too...

There is a sick enjoyment I get opening the back door and telling Atticus to 'go get 'em'.  Watching my boy guard his turf, with his oversized jolly ball hanging out of his mouth....shaking it like he would a squirrel (if he ever caught one--sorry Goat) is a RIOT.  He is MAD!  Darn stinkin' MAD!

I know my boy has space issues.  He doesn't like small spaces and guards all of HIS spaces with great passion.  But, is there really anything wrong with that?  Respecting space, that which belongs to us and those which belong to others?  Who would have thought sound advice could come from a mud eating Finch?