Wildlife Habitat

A Loving Tribute

Did you know that there’s a wildlife habitat in Lewisville? Although it was established 15 years ago, it had escaped my attention until a little over a year ago when our new library opened. The wildlife habitat is located on Lucy Lane, across from the library, tucked along the edge of a small wooded area.

The marker standing along the front of the habitat reads:

In memory of Jeanette E. Messick
The Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat
Dedicated 1994

I’m told that Jeanette Messick was a beloved teacher’s aide at Lewisville Elementary School who died of cancer. Her passing was such a loss to her students and colleagues that the wildlife habitat was established in her memory.

The small patch of land that makes up the wildlife habitat features birdhouses, birdbaths, benches, and a variety of plants, flowers and trees. Following the meandering pathway through the small habitat will take you over an attractive brick-lined bridge. Along the way, you’ll see some small statues of children and animals. Sadly, it appears that a sundial is missing, most likely due to vandalism.

Did You Know Jeanette Messick?

If you knew Ms. Messick and would like to share something special about her, feel free to do so by CLICKING on the Comment link below. I’d love to hear more about the lady who inspired the wildlife habitat.

Photo Gallery and Google Map

MORE PHOTOS of the Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat are available in the photo gallery. Plus, a GOOGLE MAP has been created to show you the exact location of the wildlife habitat. Simply CLICK the links below:

Photos: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Photo Gallery
Google Map: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Map

Update on 3/25/09: Jeanette Messick’s daughter, Susan Messick Luebchow, contacted me in response to this blog post. Susan clarified that the wildlife habitat was built by family and friends. Be sure to read Susan’s comments about her mother and the impact she had on so many.

A Man and His Dog

Beautiful Weather

With the weather being spring-like yesterday morning, there seemed to be more folks than usual getting out to enjoy the pleasant outdoors.

There were more children in the playground area at Shallowford Square. More folks walking and jogging around the Square and along the sidewalks of Lewisville’s main thoroughfare. And more dogs and their humans making their rounds together.

I, too, was out and about, photographing within the Township of Lewisville. After a few hours, I decided to head back home once I stopped by the Post Office.

Missy

As I pulled up to the intersection of Shallowford and Williams Roads (at The Oaks Shopping Center), I spotted this beautiful dog, Missy, and her master. They were turning around there and were heading back toward the Square.

I thought, “Hmmm, I’ll have enough time to pick up my mail, park over at the Square and get set up with my long lens to hopefully get some nice shots of those two as they head my way.” They’d be walking toward the sun, so I wouldn’t have to worry about their being in the shadows as they moved in my direction. That seemed like a reasonable plan.

Where’d They Go?

When I soon ended up on the sidewalk with my camera gear, I started walking toward the not-yet visible man and dog. I began to think it was odd that they still hadn’t come into sight.

But as I approached a clearing on my right, I saw Missy and her owner there, and I moved in their direction. Missy was busy stopping to smell here and there in the brush and then moving quickly to new spots. When she saw me, though, her mild-looking demeanor changed. She was clearly not very pleased that I was encroaching on her territory.

An Explanation

Her owner told to me that 14-month-old Missy was headed to the vet next, and he was trying to give her some good exercise before the appointment. He explained that she’d had an unpleasant experience recently that made her leery of strangers. And that was proving to be true with me, as well.

In fact, during the entire time that I photographed the two of them, which included their making several laps around the Square, Missy never let down her guard with me. I could tell she was an intelligent and likable dog. But gaining her trust would take more than yesterday morning’s brief encounter with her.

Perhaps I’ll see Missy again sometime, and we can pick up where we left off. I hope so.

If you’d like to see a few more photos of Missy and her owner, please visit the Man and Dog photo gallery.

More Horsin’ Around

The previous post, Horsin’ Around, did not mention the presence of a second horse in the pasture (the horse on the right). I soon perceived that the horse on the left was the Alpha horse — that is, the boss. But the horse on the right was not without some spunk of his own. If I had to assign some pretend dialog to this moment, it would go something like this:

Horse on the LEFT: Hey, man! I’m the pretty one here. Your ugly old mug is gonna break that camera!
Horse on the RIGHT: I refuse to dignify that remark.

Horse on the LEFT: Listen, I’m the best thing that ever happened to this old farm, and don’t you forget it!
Horse on the RIGHT: I tell you, if that lady wasn’t pointing a camera at us right now, I’d show your pretty little face a thing or two, Mr. Braggadocious!

Horse on the LEFT: Oh, lighten up, bro! You’re so serious!
Horse on the RIGHT: Serious! Your breath is what’s serious! (cough, cough) But I don’t know which is worse — your breath or that seriously toothy grin!

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Horsin’ Around

The plan was to jump out of my truck with camera in hand, photograph the horse peacefully grazing in the sunlit pasture, and then move on to the next inviting scene. Simple, right? Well, yes and no.

It’s actually the second time I’ve attempted such an equine mission and have failed to achieve my photographic goals. It doesn’t seem to matter how quiet and stealthy I am. One moment the horse is grazing in the middle of the pasture, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. The next instant, his ears prick up, and his head lifts in my direction. A human being! Immediately, he starts walking toward me.

As he moves my way, I resign myself to losing the shot I had envisioned — at least for today. Does he think I have food on me? Or does he simply want human companionship?

And then it becomes crystal clear what’s going through his mind. He sees my camera and wants to be sure I capture his best side!

OK, then, big fellow! Say “Cheese!”

Believe it or not, there’s more to this crazy story! Be sure to check out the fun follow-up article to this post, titled More Horsin’ Around.

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