Karen came upstairs, carrying coffee, and was making her way to the dining room table. She stopped short. “What is that?” she asked, pointing towards the chair she uses whenever up here. I leaned over to get a look. The seat in question was sprinkled with what looked like crumbs of drywall but, on closer inspection…
“Oh no!” I answered, then warily, I looked up. Sure enough, there is the beginning of a hole in the beehive ceiling – the squirrels have decided to extend their territory. Within seconds a reel of imagines spun in my mind; the squirrel making it through the opening, crawling down where she would find a prey driven Elizabeth (Elie for short) who, like a cat, would stand there silently watching until the little rodent would be more or less in reach. The ensuing chase would demolish my house. Elie is my youngest female Pitbull, and as sweet as she can be, she is not only very fast, she is extremely intense, especially on a chase. She would probably excel as a well-trained pursue dog in the Police Canine Unit; she just won’t give up.
Needless to add that I did an immediate search on Google for help. I found a company who promises to remove the little rascals safely, without killing them, then will clean and disinfect the area where they’re squatting before sealing up any hole that could encourage a return. I spoke to the owner by phone and they guarantee their work, assuring me that even baby squirrels found (it’s that time of year) would also be rescued without hurt. Someone will come to check out what needs to be done on April 6th, then give me an estimate, and I’m not looking forward to the cost of it all, but needs must. It may require a second part time job. UGH!
If my youngest is reading this, I know he can suggest a much cheaper way, as well as he knows I will refuse his method. He, being a hunter, is very pragmatic about existing with our wildlife whereas I’m a big softie. Besides, they are only trying to survive, and I enjoy watching them scamper in the yard. I just don’t want to share my living space with them. Knowing they are relocated without harm will let me sleep with a clear conscience, and that makes me SMILE.
Your share of SMILES is being delivered by the Dunany Demons today, so I propose that you unfold your umbrella before catching, please!
LUV FROM THE BUSH IN QUEBEC
Tales from the Bush in Quebec 