With tropical storm Debby in the gulf, we’ve had nonstop bands of rain and wind pretty steadily all day. So, needless to say, there were no butterflies enjoying the gardens today. The caterpillars were all holding onto their host plants just fine – weathering the storm, but the butterflies found their shelter riding out the storm.

The last time I took our 4 month old golden retriever puppy outdoors, that changed. Lily found a gulf fritillary butterfly on the ground with wings wet as can be. A gust of wind took it near a tree, where Lily guided me. She put her nose to the ground right where the butterfly landed. While I scooped up the butterfly, Lily led me back to the porch where I placed the butterfly into the butterfly house, so it can dry off its wings tonight. We will let the beauty go tomorrow, when hopefully the sun comes back out and the grounds dry up a little.

My sweet puppy just stole my heart. Another butterfly whispherer in our home. The gentleness she showed is one of the reasons I love this puppy.