I really, really love critter watching. Sometimes I see warm and loving moments, sometimes I see critter parents having the same frustration we humans do with our youngsters. All too often, I see the violent rip, shred and devour behavior of the natural order, but sometimes it is pure fun, playfulness and humor.

A case in point. My family has a dog named Sergeant Humphrey (long story behind that name), who is right in the middle of his life, healthy and happy, except for when he can’t go along on family errands. Sergeant Humphrey has a fence-top buddy and they visit nearly every day.

The critter buddy is a tree squirrel named Squire (yes, that is Squire Squirrel), who shows up suddenly atop the fence at one end of the yard and moves about quickly to get the dog’s attention.

Sergeant Humphrey gets an excited and happy look on his droopy-eared face and races toward the squirrel. Once he is in place, directly below the squirrel, they race back and forth along the fence at breakneck speed, and it is powerfully obvious that tthey are both having the time of their lives.

I don’t think either of them tend to tire quicker than the other, because they are both having such fun. I think the dog uses more energy because after about a dozen laps the length of the yard, both of them pause to pant.

Then usually, they tease each other a bit before it is off to the races again until they are tuckered out. At that point, Squire Squirrel scurries away to go climb a tree, probably to look for a snack and rest up.

I love that these two have transcended the predator/prey relationship and become playmates. On the other hand, Squire Squirrel never quite comes within reach of Sergeant Humphrey. Trust only goes so far between predators and prey.

This form of playfulness between critters is not uncommon, and you may have some experiences to share about critters who became playmates and even friends. I once had a dog named Dog. I thought it was a good name for a dog. I like single-syllable names for dogs so that commands are easier.

Dog had a wild pal, a huge raccoon who lived in a large pine tree in a neighbor’s yard. I named that critter Rocky, after an old cartoon character, Rocky Raccoon.

Dog and Rocky would mostly hang out with Rocky on the fence and Dog on the ground, but being roughly the same size, they grew comfortable enough they would hang out together on the ground. To my surprise, Dog actually allowed Rocky to share some of his water and food. Now that, is friendship.

— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.