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]

They were scary and Nicky called the gnashers, which I think is a great term. 

[Charlotte and Bo]

Bo has managed to catch and kill 2 squirrels that I know of.  The one event I witnessed was upsetting to see.  The squirrel was running along the top of the fence with Bo tracking him from below.  The squirrel tried to leap to a nearby tree and Bo timed his jump just right and pulled him out of the air. The not so much fun part was trying to get the squirrel away from him.

[F, Calla & Luca]

But catching him mid air is impressive.

[Charlotte and Bo]

He actually did it again, but that lucky squirrel managed to escape.  Haven't seen too many squirrels around lately. The squirrel must have warned his friends.:-)

[F, Calla & Luca]

That's the good part about letting some get away.

[Joyce & Wilson]

Way to go Doods!!  I grew up on a farm and our rat terrier and scottie would have gotten treats for the demise of those critters! Its just the food chain system. They are protecting you from those squatters !   We had badgers who resemble the woodchucks and would fight a good fight. So just give them a treat and call it a good day..  Lol

[F, Calla & Luca]

I know, they must think I'm unappreciative : )

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

My Jack Russell, Courtney, would be very impressed with Calla! She thinks doodles are wimps, but her only experience has been with MALE doodles! Courtney is 13 1/2, and still has her killer instinct, unfortunately! Knox, on the other hand, is all bark, no bite!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

We all know when push comes to shove females rule : )

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Sheesh - those teeth are at least two inches.  Just look at it this way - Calla saved you froma deadly woodchuck bite, and she did it humanely.  She almost certainly broke his neck with the first shke.  I probably have a different view of this as I counted on my dog to kill the stable rats when I had horses.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Calla, my heroine the humane woodchuck killer, thanks that's a better picture.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Yikes..... what a mess to clean up (dogs, dead woodchuck).  I guess dogs will be dogs.  I would of freaked too, I'm glad your doodles did not get hurt.  I have a family of squirrls that live in the trees on my neighbors property.  Oliver is obsessed with them, Sasha could care less about them.  I know one day Ollie is going to get one, I'm not looking forward to that either.