I Want a Coonskin Cap

It was hot last night. Windows-full-open-and-not-a-trace-of-breeze hot. Lying-on-top-of-the-sheets-and-sweating-anyway hot. While that made sleep difficult enough, somewhere in the wee hours all the dogs in the 'hood started barking and then came the ever so hideous cry of a raccoon. The Dog was just beside himself, running to windows and growling and barking. And every once in a while we were treated to the thump-di-thump-di-thump of the damn coon running across our roof.

We got up a couple of times to see what we could see and to try and persuade The Dog that he was a good dog but really should come to bed (and shut the hell up) but he was having none of it. We tried to go back to sleep and then he got particularly worked up again so I got up. Plus, I was worried about The Cat, who had taken off in the night as cats are wont to do.

The Dog was at the dining room door looking decidedly to the north but I couldn't see anything. Then The Cat came sauntering up on the deck. I watched as she stopped halfway, padded a few more steps then froze and slowly sat down, looking the same direction as The Dog. I followed their gaze and there it was, the pointy face of the offending raccoon. It was a juvenile so I felt quite sure it's the one who was breaking into the house (until we started blocking the cat door at night and hiding the dog food). Anyway, I got The Spouse to come restrain The Dog so I could save The Cat from being an early morning snack. I banged on the window and the 'coon took off under the deck. I grabbed The Cat and hustled back inside.

Then The Dog's sister, who is visiting, finally heard all the commotion and came out to join the barking frenzy.

Today I think I'm going to call the city and see if they have raccoon traps. Or BB guns. Because this is getting ridiculous.