RIP Squirrel

[F, Calla & Luca]

When I got home this rainy afternoon, I let my dogs out into the fenced in yard. Calla found a squirrel partway up a tree and Luca soon joined in the "game". For some reason the squirrel did not go up the tree but circled around the trunk. The dogs managed to catch the squirrel and ran off shaking it; not listening to anything I shouted to get them to stop. Soon they had the squirrel under a hedge and it was crying out. When I managed to grab Calla she had a bloody face--ugh. After putting her in her crate,I went back to grab Luca, not an easy thing under the circumstances and put him in his crate. The squirrel appeared to be moribund and certainly paralyzed. I took a shovel and put the squirrel in the back outside the fence. Afterwards, I let the dogs out again to clean them up and finish what I had originally let them out to do. They spent some time searching for the squirrel but then were back to normal behaviors. Soon it was pouring and I called them in. Calla came in but Luca did not. I called him numerous times and figured he'd soon return. There was then a scratching at the front door, which is outside the fenced in yard. I opened it and in bounded Luca, squirrel in his mouth. The involuntary shriek I let out must have disturbed all of you, no matter how far away you live. It certainly scared Luca, who dropped the squirrel, which now was certainly dead. I put the dogs back in their crates, where they may remain until they are dry and I am calm--a long time. I removed the squirrel and put it further away in the woods. I guess Luca escaped from an area of the fence where I suspected some woodchucks had burrowed under it. He may not have been able to find his way back in and so he came around the property to the front door. It was all very unsettling even though I know it's their instinctive nature to hunt. I love my dogs but right now they don't seem so warm and cuddly. Usually the only thing I'll willingly kill is a mosquito. I am glad Luca came home safe and sound. The dogs will be going out on a leash for now.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Just a thought...keep an eye on your dogs...hope the squirrel was not sickly and carried it to your dogs. I would also check both Calla and Luca for bite marks from the squirrel. Friends had to take their dog to the Vet and the dead squirrel, they decided not to test for rabies cause of the cost for the squirrel but kept a close eye on their dog just in case. At least it all worked out in the end and their dog didn't get sick, but you never know. At my son's house Hannah would go crazy at the squirrels playing outside, would hate to think what would of happened had she gotten one.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Yuck and double yuck. i have received as gifts dead crows, possums, racoons, and once my neighbor's cat. They all were from my own backyard it was all awful. Especially the cat. I had to take it to her. She was so kind to me about it. Oh yuck. You have all my sympathies.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

No doggie kisses tonight!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Ohh yuck! Poor squirrel. Its like you have a big horrible cat! LOL

[Adina P]

Oh Gosh...what a day! Thank goodness for crates in such times to contain the little monsters! Sounds like Luca was thinking he was bringing you a gift, the fruit of his conquest...LOL