RSS
Home
Dogs gone wild
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Acting as our loyal companions is the main function of our dogs today, but many of them were bred to hunt, herd, retrieve, protect or kill. Rufus, my red smooth miniature dachshund, was bred to hunt badgers and is one of the smallest hunters in the hound group.
Saturday night at around 7:30, Rufus was let outside in our backyard for a potty break. The yard is completely fenced and we have lived here his whole life, so it is common practice to let him out without supervision. Typically he will go outside, smell around, potty and come back inside without incident or fanfare.
This occasion proved to be different. A few moments after letting Rufus outside he began to bark feverishly. I rushed outside to see what was a matter. In the past this type of barking was usually in response to a neighborhood kid teasing him through the fence or someone walking through the alley.
It’s already dark and although the garage light helps to brighten up the backyard in general, Rufus was in the bushes adjacent to the garage beyond the light’s reach. A few times in the past Rufus has cornered a feral cat, our neighborhood has its fill of them, but all of sudden I heard these high pitched screams. My mind began to race wild as this city boy tried to decipher the unfamiliar noise. Rufus’ barking only intensified along with these other cries.
It’s dark, Rufus is behind the bushes beyond my reach, my imagination is unhinged and I wonder if it’s a cat, a possum or some other rodent. These squeals were something I have never heard before and I doubt I will ever forget. They really did sound much like a baby’s cry. I decided it’s time to take action since Rufus was being unresponsive to my commands. I sprung into action, ran inside, got the garage key, pulled out a bright flood lamp with an extension cord, a rake and the water hose. I solicited the help of my partner and we coordinated a plan in matter of minutes.
While one of us was holding the lamp the other was spraying the water hose directly into the bushes hoping to cool the animals off while shouting a series of commands to Rufus. To no avail Rufus and his friend stayed put and we took a minute for me to get a closer look. I squatted down with the light in hand and found two little black beady eyes staring back at me as though it was saying, “Help me!” I jumped up, slightly freaked out at what I saw and announced it’s a mouse! Rufus has caught a live mouse which is in a fight for its life.
We resumed the water assault and finally Rufus came out. I grabbed him immediately, sprinted to the back bathtub closes to us and gave him a quick wash and inspection. In this moment, as I’m washing Rufus, checking his face, nose and mouth for scratches or other cuts, I think to myself I’m not interested in any of your kisses for a while buddy.
Not surprisingly our little hunter is fine. I quickly do a few google searches to see if there are any additional steps I need to take since Rufus just had an encounter with a wild animal. I called VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, a 24-hour facility, and Desiree graciously talked me down from my adrenaline high. Rufus is current with all of his shots so we were encouraged to monitor him and contact our regular vet Monday.
This article is kicking off a week-long series entitled "Dogs gone wild." Over the next few days, I will be offering our readers valuable information from veterinarians and dog behaviorists on what to do when our dogs come into contact with a wild animal and underscore the importance of training. We’ll also be visiting the heritage of Los Angeles’ more popular breeds and understand the dogs are doing simply what comes natural.
Sunday afternoon in the bright daylight, I surveyed the area with and without Rufus and it was clean and clear of any dead bodies. I’d like to believe the little grey and white mouse escaped with its life, but hopefully a little smarter to avoid our yard.
Photos: above is Rufus in our backyard and below Rufus searches the yard for his friend from the night before, who is luckily no where to be found.
STAY INFORMED: Subscribe to LA Small Dogs Examiner: It's Free. There is never spam. We will not rent your name. Click "Subscribe" above.
Related Articles:
Comments
