The Killer Instinct

[F, Calla & Luca]

The season has started early here in NJ. On this rainy, gray day I let the dogs out and went to check the mailbox. Luca soon ran down the "field" as I call my long side yard, and I thought he was barking at the dog who lives behind us and across the brook. Unfortunately as I went to investigate I realized that now both dogs had something cornered. A woodchuck.

I have always had woodchucks living beneath my shed. I could never find a humane, environmentally and doodle friendly way to get rid of them. I did buy a device to gas them with CO from the mower but it entailed blocking all exits from their den and I only could locate the main one. I am sorry if even thinking about doing this changes my image for some of you.

I was afraid of the woodchuck since it was baring it's inch long teeth and it's claws were apparent. Only two of the four of us involved have had rabies vaccinations and I was not one. I am glad the dogs also get leptospirosis vaccinations. Calla grabbed the woodchuck by it's middle and she began to shake it. I think she is more courageous than Luca in situations like this. I let out a shriek involuntarily.

I ran to the house to get leashes but I knew I'd be too late. I always mean to leave leashes or at least ropes outside so I can tether the dogs quickly. When I returned the dogs were still harassing the dazed critter who had a wound in it's side. I got Calla and tied her to a tree. Then, with difficulty, since he wouldn't listen to a single command, I got Luca.

The dogs are now in their crates, crate beds removed to facilitate cleanup, and they are muddy and disgusting. And I have to gather my courage and see what remains of the woodchuck. I do think he was mortally wounded.

The quality of the pictures tells you something about my state.

OK, I gathered up my courage and went to see the outcome. The woodchuck was in fact dead. I think the shaking does the deed. I should be sad but I'm relieved. The dogs are none the worse for wear or will be when the dry out and get cleaned off. One less woodchuck to deal with. They scream when frightened and have nearly scared me to death when I've startled one, to say nothing about the digging and plant eating. I would have wished this animal a more peaceful ending, though. I don't think I could have prevented this once it started but more training is always on the list. I really am getting too old for this as I've said before. I wish I could prevent this sort of thing from occurring. Once again I have to reintegrate my inner view of the dogs.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD, F.  How awful!  I know I would not have handled this as well as you.  The critters just seem to find you....and not in a good way.  I guess from a Doodle's point of view woodchucks are just like great big squeaky toys.  You may want to join us tonight for Yappy Hour.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks Jane.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Wow, I would have been shaking. Glad you are all ok. I haven't seen any woodchucks out yet, but I wonder how Jack would react. He's still young and discovering the world! Yikes!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope you don't find out how Jack reacts.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

My first thought when I saw your post F was "oh no, here we go again" and of course I was right. I knew there would be another DEAD animal photo.

I am so glad that all 3 of you are fine. Sorry doods, looks like a bath is in your future - haha

Oh and FYI Daisy runs from chipmunks and won't go near the pond any longer, she once saw a raccoon from a distance. LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

Lucky you : )

[Camilla and Darwin]

Ack, poor guy!

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

That is one ugly creature.  I really hope the doods know the difference between kitty, kitty and Mr. Woodchuck.  It pains me to think my doods could shake a little creature to death.  I am quite certain, however, if Seda ever caught one of the squirrels she chases that the same thing would happen.  I am glad that the creature didn't bite your dog.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Me too.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Wow. I have always wondered what Monty would do with the rabbits that live around our house (if he could catch one since they are fast). I think I know now. Isn't that interesting that you have these cuddly loving smart doodles and then you get a wake up call. Yes, they are predators. :-) I would have been shaken as well. Glad everyone (well, almost) is okay.

[Jennie & Emma]

A humane way to get any critters out from under your shed is to saturate rags with ammonia (regular not lemon) and throw them under there a few times a week.  It shouldn't take very long for them to leave.  The ammonia won't kill them, but they don't like the fumes and the smell is a lot like a strong urine to an animal, which they hate in their living space.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That is a good tip. Unfortunately the yard is fully fenced although I suspect the woodchucks have tunneled out somewhere. I may give this a try.