rat race

May 11, 2007 &bull uncategorized

Up until some time last night we had a resident rat in our backyard. I know this sounds pretty horrible, but it actually wasn’t as bad as it seems. Don’t get me wrong, the first time we saw it scurry past the window we freaked. But, in the ensuing evenings his presence was becoming a standard part of our daily routine. Rancho, our faithful lookout, would go to the window every night, trying to form some type of bond with his furry friend on the outside. Heidi and I would peer out the window, shining a flashlight like a prison-yard spotlight, trying to get a glimpse of the creature. This same routine took place for about a week until last night, when it turned deadly.

I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad now that we finally killed our rat. I’m happy because I obviously don’t want rats in our living area. I’m sad because, aside from the killing part, we were outsmarted by a rodent for 5 days. On day 1 we discovered he wasn’t a raw vegan as he decided to pass up the raw almond butter treat we left for him. On day 2 he turned up his nose as the raw almond butter with bird seed sprinkles. On day 3 he was obviously insulted at the raw almond butter with bird seed sprinkles and organic peanut butter topping. He was given no treats on day 4 since I forgot to remove the protective shoeboxes we had been placing over the traps during the day. (I mean, who in their right mind wants squirrel blood on their hands?) On day 5 he couldn’t resist the bird seed mound and, as such, was promptly greeted with a heartly slap on the back.

I know Buddhism and Christianity both forbid killing, but I’m not sure if it applies to vermin. At any rate, Rancho has lost a friend, Heidi and I have recovered some comfort, and the Swanson household’s population has been decreased by 1.

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