The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside for May 30, 2021

It was just one bark, and you’re making a lot more noise right now, human!

You’ve barked enough all night last night, doggie!

I have some neighbors who apparently have a wood stove for heat because every morning during the winter, he is out with a chainsaw at 0700.

Koko is the lawn ranger.

I hear so many people scream at their dogs to shut up the minute they bark to alert them to something or a nearby person, usually me as I’m out walking the neighborhood. Their dog is really doing them a service and I wish people would learn to praise them and then tell them it’s okay to silence them.

I remember when teenagers performed quiet, useful work cleaning yards without power tools. They earned “pin money” and felt useful.

Surprised he didn’t run away earlier on…..

Koko is right. Humans are the noisiest animals ever!

I miss the days before gas-powered lawns. Yardwork was peaceful, and good exercise.I’m proud to be lawn-free. Our yard is the only one on the block that doesn’t have a huge carbon footprint, and is a haven of quiet seven days a week.

My husband is always yelling at our dog to stop barking. I tell him that if we had quieter neighbors, the dog would have nothing to bark at.