Flossie finds ‘treasure’ at the roadside

Recently we made an unfortunate discovery as we ambled back home along our local country lane. 

I was admiring the wild garlic that’s sprouting everywhere when Flossie managed to scoop up a dead pheasant in her mouth. Presumably it had collided with a passing vehicle.

It was large, fresh and appeared to have no head which was perplexing.

Flossie’s jaw clamped possessively around it. 

Because Flossie was born in the wild in Cyprus, high value is bestowed on any ‘treasure’ found on walks. And this was a premium find. 

So, I knew we now had a problem. 

I tried everything to get her to drop her prize – encouragement, showing disinterest, treats and, I’m afraid to say, some shouting which may have included a few choice words as I became increasingly frustrated. 

At one point Flossie tried to eat the pheasant which involved a strange kind of gulping action because she didn’t want to drop it. 

Several cars passed us, their occupants clearly amused when they realised my plight. 

We carried on walking with our headless companion until we reached a gateway where we could pull in from the road.

I scattered treats on the ground, I gave my “drop it” command repeatedly and at increasing volume. This went on for some time. 

But I was determined. 

So was Flossie.

I was just beginning to think we would have to take the pheasant home with us when Flossie lost her grip on it slightly. It was quite a mouthful and she must have been getting jaw ache from her tight grip. 

I seized the opportunity and slammed my boot down on the bird, wrenching it away from Flossie. It wasn’t pleasant but, oh, the relief. I think I may have let out a yell of triumph.

Flossie looked dismayed.

But, as we resumed our walk, she licked her lips, the remains of a feather poking out of the corner of her mouth. 

She had managed to get a small nibble of it after all.