Something Stinks

Nothing like trying to prepare for a 3000 mile RV trip to bring out the bad luck.

Mr. T. took the dogs to the polo field yesterday to run, chase balls and do that other thing they do so well. He picked a time of evening that brings out other critters as well.

Byrdie, who won't have anything to do with other dogs, got the first whiff. Off she went. Some remnant hunting gene in her dumbed-down DNA was activated and she charged across the field at Pepe Le Pew. Talus, who is in charge of "sniff and greet" was close on her heels.

Mr. T. saw the inharmonic convergence of the stars exploding before his very eyes and yelled "BYRDIE!!! STOP! COME! TALUS--COME! " It was a good attempt but to no effect. Now if I had been there, the inevitable might have been averted. I have taught Junior High and directed adult choirs; therefore, I have a voice that can cut glass when necessary. But I was not there.

Byrdie got the full blast of "skunk protection" right in her face. Talus, who had stopped, got the left overs. And Mr. T., not realizing he should let l'eau de skunk dry first, threw both dogs into the Honda and drove home.

The Honda will never recover.

Talus had just been groomed--end of that look.

And poor Byrdie--a call to the 24 hour animal hospital gave us the formula for de-skunking a dog:
1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon liquid soap
Mix and work into fur.
Leave on for 5 minutes.
Rinse.

Right. As if! But it was a beginning. So at 9:30 pm Mr. T was at the local Safeway buying up bottles of hydrogen peroxide. Then he was outside scrubbing down Byrdie and then Talus.

Poor Byrdie spent the night in the garage. Mr. T. and Talus were banished to the guest room. (Skunk triggers serious asthma attack in me)

This morning, the entire procedure was repeated. Slightly less skunk smell but nowhere near acceptable. So, I ponied up for the cause and contributed my $30.00 bottle of Crabree and Evelyn Odor Eliminating Handsoap. Sigh....... But it worked! It also helped that I sheared most of the 'doodle's hair off. At least she can come in the house now.

Now--can anyone tell me why the black labradoodle isn't a bleached out blond dog? Why doesn't she even have highlights?