A Bear Update

Although we have yet to actually see the bear or any bear tracks, our neighbors have, and Lucy faithfully barks almost every night. Our household has settled into sort of a nightly routine...Once it's dark outside we bring her inside to spend the evening with us. When it's time to go to bed we put her out and feed her. About 2 minutes later she starts barking. We let her bark for about 15-20 minutes, then we open the door and sternly say, "That's enough Lucy!  No Bark! No bark!" Then we go back to bed. Sometimes we have to get up a second time to remind her, but most of the time she sulks into her dog house and goes to sleep. Once in a while she kicks up a fuss in the middle of the night, and if she does we just bring her in until morning so everyone can get some sleep.

I can't say I'm happy about the situation, but it is what it is, and the bear seems to be here to stay!