Do some squirrels belong?

[BG and Gavin]

This is a crazy question, but I have to wonder...

Gavin loves to chase the squirrels in our yard - along the fence, up the tree, across the phone lines, he will even see a squirrel from inside and ask to go out just to chase it.   But on three occasions recently I have noticed Gavin not reacted to a squirrel in the yard.  Twice when the squirrel was fearlessly walking along the fence and once walking right through the middle of the yard.  Gavin was less than ten feet away and just casually watching the intruder.  Could it be that it was the same squirrel on all three occasions and Gavin is okay with him, but chases the others away?  How does he know the difference? All the black squirrels look the same to me.

I know human and cats can be included into a dog's "pack" but what about a wild animal?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have never seen a black squirrel, but I guarantee that Fudge and Vern would go after every single one :)

[Leslie J]

I noticed that all three squirrels Gavin chased were somewhat fearless. Maybe he has a strong chase drive, and ignores squirrels that are not running.

[BG and Gavin]

Leslie - I think this is very likely the most logical explanation. Brilliant.

[Pat and Traveler]

I didn't even know there were black squirrels!  Trav would be happy to chase any color, any time.  :)

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

oh wow! I've never seen a black squirrel before today!  it's really cute…reminds me of my black dog LOL