Life Stinks...Sometimes

We finally joined the club.  It happened when I least expected it, plus it occured on my watch much to my chagrin.  Last Thursday, as we do every morning at 5:30, the dogs and I were standing on the front lawn so that they could relieve their bladders.  We often play a game where I release their leads afterwards and they race each other to the door in anticipation of a treat.  This time they bypassed the door, racing straight ahead through the bushes down the side of the house, cornering a humor-impaired skunk.

Sydney staggered out first, looking quite literally stunned. Coco immediately followed.  The look on Sydney’s face betrayed her dilemma a fraction before the odor assaulted my senses.  Sydney had taken the brunt of the attack, getting sprayed directly in the face.  By then Paul was on the porch having heard me hollering their names to no avail.  Our plight quickly became apparent and he was dispatched to the computer to determine how to proceed while the girls and I remained outside, me holding my nose and keeping a firm grip on the leashes.

Ten minutes later when Paul emerged from the house, having scoured the internet for information, he immediately asked if Sydney had been injured.  Skunks can bite and scratch in addition to spraying.  If your dog gets sprayed, be sure to check for other injuries including redness or discharge from the eyes.  Do not ignore “small” injuries because they can abscess within days.  Sydney's ego was deeply bruised but there was no evidence of physical damage.  Fortunately, we had all the ingredients on hand for a home remedy, which include hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap.  Sydney was more than happy to submit to Paul’s ministrations.  Despite that, we struggled to rid her and the house of the odor over the next two days.

Here’s our take-away from this fiasco.  One, don't forget our wild nocturnal neighbors.  As Paul reminded me several times, the dogs know we have company even before we hear or see these creatures and giving chase is a natural response.  The consequences are potentially dangerous, not to mention stinky.  The girls will receive a proper escort to the door in the future.  Two, keep the necessary ingredients on hand just in case a skunking occurs despite our best efforts. 

With the weekend behind us and the odor of our angry friend nearly gone, we can reflect on recent events and laugh.  It’s surprising how many friends, family, and colleagues have similar stories of being initiated into the skunk club.  Sometimes more than once!  Not a reassuring thought.

Sydney - pondering the wisdom of leading the chase

by Elizabeth Sundstrom