3 DOGS, 3 CATS, & A RACCOON

As those of you who read this know, we house a neurological rottwieler, a gimpy Labrador, and an agile akita/lab mix. In addition to the dogs we have three cats who are either appalled, dismayed, disgusted or just plain annoyed about the the former residents.

Thus, these members of the house live in a semi-state of detente. Dogs have their area Cats have theirs. Occasionally they venture into one another's territory with barking and hissing and bits of fur flying. Fairly harmless in all. (Citrus, being the exception)

Well last night a new comer decided to venture into the Cat/Dog territory. Quite brave of "it" actually.

The new comer had most likely heard through the animal network that the Langlois/Gepner abode was where one could score good eats with nice ambiance.

Only part of this information is correct. Yes there is ALWAYS free food for those brave enough to seek it out. You see, one must make its way through an opening that could be equated with the equivalent of a butt hole. Then this individual must get past a not so nice cat, Toby, in addition to the "dogs" and locate the grub.

The new comer made it.

Who is this new comer???

Are we adopting another pet???

Are we truly insane??? (well yes we are, but this does not apply this time)

Our new "friend" was a damn raccoon.

rac·coon Pronunciation: ra-'kün

a small nocturnal carnivore (Procyon lotor) of No. America that is chiefly gray, has a black mask and bushy ringed tail, lives chiefly in trees, and has a varied diet including small animals, fruits, and nuts

and apparently cat food.


I awoke to a VERY loud THUMP! I jumped out of the bed.

Immediately thinking Rudy had somehow got himself stuck somewhere and couldn't get up.

But no, Rudy was still in his bed. I rush into the kitchen to loud, mean, scary barking emanating from Sam & Riley.

They have an animal cornered in the kitchen. At first glance, I think it is Nickie all puffed out. Really puffed out. I holler at Riley and Sam, "QUIET!" They don't listen.

then reality penetrates my brain. There is A DAMN RACCOON IN MY KITCHEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"KURT!!!!!!!!!!!"
(Who by this time is standing right next to me, making my scream a bit unnecessary.)

"Get the dogs out of the kitchen" My brave and in control husband directs.

I follow orders.

Kurt chases the raccoon down the stairs into the basement. Toby watches the show with interest from a distance. Toby is NOT a stupid cat. Kurt chases the nocturnal creature out the cat "butt".

Then Kurt waits just to be sure Mr. Raccoon does not return. Mr raccoon returns.

They look at each other. The seconds turn into minutes.

Mr. Raccoon looks one last time towards the food. Then at Kurt. He turns and wiggles out the cat butt. Another time perhaps.

And thus the adventure concluded.

Man & dog (while the cats watched) had beaten the wild beast.

At least this time...