What you see above is my dog Bridger with a lovely lei of Virginia creeper and stickseed wrapped snugly around his neck, firmly embedded in that long, fine hair of his. When I went to the back door, I found my frantic 'puppy', prancing and begging to get into the house, because he was scared and the house is his safe place. The two of them, Stickseed and Bridger, were inseparable for several miserable hours.
The main Stickseed necklace with a little dog hair attached.
This part was on the surface, easier to remove.
This stuff is terrible. It is worse than burdock because it's so much smaller and there are many more of them in any square inch of hair! And, just like burdock, they have to be lifted out one by one, after the hair that one little 1/8" seed is clinging to has been painstakingly pulled apart to release it.
Stickseed, each seed about 1/3 inch from the next
I got out my wildflower book, hoping that I could find a picture of the Stickseed (Hackelia) flower that is found in Wisconsin. I'd like to make sure to kill it next spring when it flowers, before it goes to seed! It's either that or teach my dog not to chase bunnies. And that's not likely.
The bad news? I've yet to discover what Wisconsin stickseed flowers look like, for there seem to be many varieties.
The good news? I've got all the long, cold winter ahead to try to find the answer...
...or maybe that was bad news.
...or maybe that was bad news.
You are so funny! I hope you find what the flower looks like soon and that winter isn't too bad this year for you. Poor Bridger!!!
ReplyDeletePoor, poor Bridger. Bless his dear heart. Ouch.
ReplyDeleteOh, poor guy :( Our little dog is always attracting stickers outside and they are not fun to get out. Ugh!
ReplyDeletePoor Bridger...and poor mom too :) That must have been hard for both of you! Glad you got it all out though!
ReplyDeletePoor little thing! I would have been frantic myself. I do not like seeing anyone or any animal in pain or uncomfortable. You are such a great mama! Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
Poor baby. We have plenty of sticker burrs here and I always feel bad for my dog. After an accident, I had to wear a boot for a damaged foot and ankle for almost a year. The velcro attracted every sticker burr near me. Tell your pup I know how he feels.
ReplyDeletePlan B
Poor Bridger!! I'm sure that was no fun for anyone!!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness Bridger has such a compassionate owner! I'm sure the cuckleburs will start showing up soon around here. Hmmmmm my spell check does not like the way I am spelling cucklebur.... Did I get it wrong?
ReplyDeletePoor Bridger :( Good luck on finding a solution. I just hate it when BoBo gets tangled up in something just by being his doggie self!
ReplyDeletePoor Bridger! We have cockleburrs which are very annoying and get stuck in our cat's fur. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteYou have a very nice blog. I am in NE Wisconsin and should still be in bed. Its a windy day altho I am enjoying a respite from the heat. Got up to run dogs out and wanted to go back to bed but began reading your blog.
ReplyDeletePlease come visit. You can link this (or any dog ) post to the Furry First Friday hop. Its a very new hop. Love to see you there.
Oh Bridger the things you get in to, but you have a very good mom who takes it all in stride. :)
ReplyDeleteLittle Misty, you don't do those things do you? You are a good dog who just sits under foot and chews your toy. What a good girl. lol! :D
Don't we love our pets dearly?!
Omgoodness, I'm in stitches...too funny...that silly Bridger (and he's trying so hard to be dignified for the camera, teehee!
ReplyDelete