I was working on a project in the house when I noticed that Pedro had been gone for some time. I peeked out the back door to see if I could eyeball him. I saw him up on the hill happily basking in the sun, so I returned to my project. Some time later I checked on him again, and he was in the same place. I was surprised but happy that he was calmly enjoying himself.
After a bit, I heard a bird crying out repeatedly; naturally I was intrigued. I looked out the window and noticed a Killdeer. The Killdeer was acting injured so I knew there was trouble.
I quickly grabbed my camera and ran out the back door. The Killdeer was stumbling around as if she had a broken wing, trying to get Pedro’s attention to draw him away from her nest. 
I trotted up the hill to where Pedro had been for so long, expecting the worst. Sure enough, Pedro was licking at one of her eggs; and then I found another. I began apologizing profusely to the Killdeer once I saw the irreparable damage.
I felt sad, and slightly annoyed with Pedro. I felt frustrated with the Killdeers for laying their eggs in such a dangerous place. I even felt a little guilty that my domestic dog had eaten their eggs for sport.
Then I relaxed. I sat on the hill for a long time with Pedro and Buttercup. I watched the parents make repeated flybys. I realized that all I could do was be present with them and send them thoughts of love. I was reminded again that impermanence permeates our lives. We see it everywhere we look–and even when we don’t look. I felt grateful that I have been learning the value of non-attachment in recent years. I felt appreciative for my connection to nature and all the support I find there. I soaked up the sun, the wind, and the crying Killdeers with Buttercup and Pedro by my side; and a deep peace enveloped me.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Altho impermanence is something we must accept..it’s still a hard lesson to learn. Love the eggs you captured.
Carla — I am very familiar with the frustration of a dog threading on animals rights. Last summer my large Golden R., Sal, picked up a box turtle in his mouth and ran around the yard with it. I noticed he had something in his mouth and told him to drop. To my surprise it was a beautiful box turtle only now it had two chips on the rim of his top shell. I wanted to scold him but knew this was instinctual. I carried the turtle to safe grounds and bade it thoughts of wellness. Your resolution to the killdeer was warm and thoughtful. It was a great post.
Thanks for the support, Marcie and Barbara! Much appreciated. I gain so much from my time in nature.