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.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Unfortunately yes. But I didn't really think mine did so much.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

No way! Myla is a squirrel freak! She remembers where she saw them last time she was out on a walk and pulls like crazy to see if one is still there! Funny doodle!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Oh my those ARE big teeth! You sure find lots of action in your yard! Sorry about the way he exited the world, but I would be afraid too! We have huge chipmunk and mole issues here!

[F, Calla & Luca]

We do too.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

OMD, to think I've always thought the woodchucks I see from a distance are cute! I thought they looked like big guinea pigs. Not so, from the photos!

I have to thank Calla & Luca for making me less envious of their big wooded property and more content with the tiny little patch of grass that passes for my yard. ;-)

[F, Calla & Luca]

The grass isn't always greener.

[BG and Gavin]

So what IS the body count now F?  Remind me not to darken your neck of the woods lest I be sleeping the big sleep.  Gavin had a mouse in the back yard once - he lightly touched it with his paw then just followed it around til it left the yard.  If it can't throw a tennis ball for him, it is of no use.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You ask the hard questions. Two definite doodle assisted demises, the woodchuck and a squirrel. Then there was the rabbit, definitely not doodles related, the adolescent woodchuck, uncertain killer, the mole I found on the lawn and the squirrel body that mysteriously showed up on the porch. But there were also two birds that lived, and a snake that lived after encounters with the doodles. And that's all I remember in the last 2-3 years.

[BG and Gavin]

Oh is THAT all?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I really hope we have a quiet spell forever.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Thankfully not a situation I've even encountered, nor do I wish to.  F, we are going to have to start calling your place The Body Farm.  Glad everyone came through physically unscathed, those are some pretty mean looking choppers.