Spring has arrived here in Kentucky.

   

The weather has turned warm, the grass needs to be mowed and the leaves are back on the trees. Not having any snow to romp and play in doesn't seem to bother our Rottweilers a bit. Ruff got to see his first squirrel up close a few days ago. We were taking Ruff and Axl out back for a run and Ruff found one near a tree. I am very thankful that tree was close by because Ruff went into high gear and chased it. The squirrel ran up the tree with Ruff only a few feet behind. I almost thought Ruff wanted to climb the tree after it.

Click the images for a larger view.

We have an open acre of property behind our house that adjoins similar size properties on both sides of us. When Ruff and Axl play they run around the trees and property in huge circles. I have seen a few rabbits out there that scampered under the fir trees when we approached them and my fear is that one day one of the Rotts will spot a rabbit out in the open and chase it before I can stop them. 

Ruff has an extraordinary sense of smell and is constantly tracking every critter that has crossed his back yard. Axl, on the other hand, when he is not glued to my wife, just loves to run around and get Ruff to try and catch him. I am amazed at Axl's physical condition for an 8-year old Rottweiler. He always outruns Ruff and often makes quick turns and doubles back to tease Ruff into trying to catch him.

Often times Axl will hide behind a fir tree with Ruff on the opposite side and they try to fake each other out. Then they run into each other with both front feet up in the air like a pair of horses frolicking in a meadow. Meanwhile, little Sassy just enjoys herself rolling around in the grass.

Yes, Spring is definitely in the air.