Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
The Killer Instinct
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.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by shelly on
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Oh MY! EWE.... I'm not a fan of these creatures! I think he would have been better off seeing his shadow on the 2nd! It may have prolonged his life a bit longer! And Mr. Woodchuck...."What BIG teeth you have...." You, F., have 2 VERY brave doodles!
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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on
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Brave or stupid : )
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Permalink Reply by Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty on
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Oh my goodness that must have been awful! I would be shaking and shrieking too. It troubles me to think that my sweet doodles are capable of being ruthless killers. I try to pretend that when Winston wants to chase the squirrels and bunnies it's because he wants to be friends with them. But deep down I guess I know what the real deal is...
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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on
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Don't be so sure. Jackdoodle has picked up brand new fresh-out-of-the-nest baby bunnies in his mouth and set them gently down again twice. Winnie might be a baby bunny whisperer, too.
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Permalink Reply by Pat and Traveler on
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Wow, Karen! JD as bunny whisperer...who woulda thunk it....!
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All these tough guy he-man types have a softer side, lol.
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I wouldn't count on a bunny whisperer though.
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Permalink Reply by Leigh & Allie on
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F. this is too funny. The first photo did not make it look like the woodchuck had one inch teeth. Now that I think about it the second photo does not look like he has one inch teeth. I will give you two inches though. I am sure it was very scary.
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Not so funny here : ) But I guess I should have measured the teeth.
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It will be. Just give it some time!
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Permalink Reply by Carol and Banjo on
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OMD F.....You're album of corpses just continues to expand! Glad the dogs are alright and hope a replacement woodchuck doesn't show up anytime soon! (Calla and Luca look like such sweet dogs - it's difficult to imagine this savage behavior!)
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I know, hard for me too.
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