GUN DOGS -- Cheatgrass has flourished in the late spring conditions, and the seed heads have cured. The spear-like seeds are at their prime for sharpness and readiness to cling to your socks and your dog's fur, where they're specially adapted to work into a dog's does, eyes, nose and ears.

These despicable seed heads don't stop at the skin. They penetrate like porcupine quills to cause abscesses and pierce eardrums.

Legend has it that veterinarians sowed cheatgrass years ago for guaranteed income.

It's nasty stuff. My dogs sit and wait for me to stuff cotton in their ears before their daily runs this time of year.

  Dog trainers have to gear back their efforts until we get some hot weather followed by big winds to knock the seeds to the ground.  Some pounding rainstorms will help, too.

Dream on.