Visitor

Well, visitor isn't the right word, actually. More like, making itself right a home, in my bedroom wall. I wondered how long it would take before rats would reappear after the departure of our cats. The answer is 5 months. Our neighborhood is bisected by several creeks, so creatures of all stripes have appeared in our yard over the years. From ducks to skunks, raccoons and owls, it is actually quite amusing to see such a diversity of animal life smack dab in the middle of suburbia. Amusing, until they try to move in with you. I have dubbed this little guy, Ratz-putin.

I snapped this picture this morning while he was snacking on fallen bird seed. The bird feeder has since been removed and the grass around that area cut down. I am hoping that by removing the food source that will encourage him to move on, but I doubt that I will be that lucky. The scratching in the walls at night is driving me batty.

The appearance of our little furry friend has me thinking about getting another cat. In all the years we had cats, as lazy as they were, we never had problems with rodents. I suppose a dog would offer the same services, though I am reluctant to take that responsibility on, much to the chagrin of the other members of my clan. We have recently offered to take in our friend's dog while they take an extended summer trip. If that were to work out, it may by a good solution. My kids and husband will get to play with a great dog for a couple of months and I can see if I'm up to the challenge of adding our own dog to this motley crew. Wish me luck with Ratz-putin's eviction, otherwise my next step will have to be a trip to the hardware store....Sigh....