Watching the show
For many years now I have had a deep desire to simply sit at the edge of a Prairie Dog (known affectionally by locals and our friend Deb as Whistle Pigs) colony and photograph/observe the community. Like most animals, once a threat is identified, full alarms are sounded and all normal activity concludes. The Prairie Dog is a bit different as if no aggressive action is taken in just a little while they will go on about the business of the day.
About a week before our trip, I had a very vivid, realistic dream that was so detailed that once I awoke, I laughed out loud and was thankful for the experience. Here is the shortened version of the dream:
I was sitting on a wide-open prairie, Indian style (I assume its still called that). As I sat photographing the colony, out of the corner of my right eye I caught just a glimpse of the tail of a Prairie Rattler as it disappeared under my thigh. They are common in colonies as they use the burrows to escape the heat of the day. In this case, it was using me! Knowing that I needed help, I slowly reached in my pocket, pulled out my cell phone and called 911. This proved to be a mistake.
The first on the scene was a park ranger who laughed at my situation and told me not to move…a classic No-shit Sherlock instruction of absolutely no value! When the local sheriff’s deputy arrived the park ranger briefed him on my situation…between laughs and speculations of how close the snake was to my manhood. When the EMS and fire department showed up it officially became a party. If you have seen the movie “There is something about Mary” …it was a lot like that! As a rescue plan was being developed, first responders were posing for photos behind me as bets were being made on just where I will be bitten. And then the news crew showed up…
When I heard the words “We are live in three, two, one” I realized that I should have taken my chances with the snake! As the EMS tried to place a neck brace around my neck and a borrowed bicycle helmet on my head (from one of the two dozen cyclists who paused their ride to see what all the hullabaloo was about), a microphone was stuck in my face for comment…a comment was made that I will not share!
As a lasso was fitted under my arms and around my chest, the rescue plan was finally revealed. I was to be tied to a truck and pulled off the spot at a high rate of speed. I was in the air when I awoke.
Needless to say, after this dream I decided not to sit amongst the colony but to stand…just in case in was a premonition. I would never have considered sharing this dream had it not been for this photo…a Prairie Dog looking anxious…as if watching a fat Italian guy sitting Indian style flying through the air!
Taken on 19 May, 2023 at Custer State Park, South Dakota.
Watching the show
For many years now I have had a deep desire to simply sit at the edge of a Prairie Dog (known affectionally by locals and our friend Deb as Whistle Pigs) colony and photograph/observe the community. Like most animals, once a threat is identified, full alarms are sounded and all normal activity concludes. The Prairie Dog is a bit different as if no aggressive action is taken in just a little while they will go on about the business of the day.
About a week before our trip, I had a very vivid, realistic dream that was so detailed that once I awoke, I laughed out loud and was thankful for the experience. Here is the shortened version of the dream:
I was sitting on a wide-open prairie, Indian style (I assume its still called that). As I sat photographing the colony, out of the corner of my right eye I caught just a glimpse of the tail of a Prairie Rattler as it disappeared under my thigh. They are common in colonies as they use the burrows to escape the heat of the day. In this case, it was using me! Knowing that I needed help, I slowly reached in my pocket, pulled out my cell phone and called 911. This proved to be a mistake.
The first on the scene was a park ranger who laughed at my situation and told me not to move…a classic No-shit Sherlock instruction of absolutely no value! When the local sheriff’s deputy arrived the park ranger briefed him on my situation…between laughs and speculations of how close the snake was to my manhood. When the EMS and fire department showed up it officially became a party. If you have seen the movie “There is something about Mary” …it was a lot like that! As a rescue plan was being developed, first responders were posing for photos behind me as bets were being made on just where I will be bitten. And then the news crew showed up…
When I heard the words “We are live in three, two, one” I realized that I should have taken my chances with the snake! As the EMS tried to place a neck brace around my neck and a borrowed bicycle helmet on my head (from one of the two dozen cyclists who paused their ride to see what all the hullabaloo was about), a microphone was stuck in my face for comment…a comment was made that I will not share!
As a lasso was fitted under my arms and around my chest, the rescue plan was finally revealed. I was to be tied to a truck and pulled off the spot at a high rate of speed. I was in the air when I awoke.
Needless to say, after this dream I decided not to sit amongst the colony but to stand…just in case in was a premonition. I would never have considered sharing this dream had it not been for this photo…a Prairie Dog looking anxious…as if watching a fat Italian guy sitting Indian style flying through the air!
Taken on 19 May, 2023 at Custer State Park, South Dakota.