I started my annual house and pet sitting duties for my brother's family as they vacation in Europe. Alongside the bearded dragon, an aquarium full of groovy fish, three guinea pigs, two cats, and an cage full of feeder roaches (for the lizard), I get to hang out with the lovely Trudi, a smallish black dog who seems like a cross between some sort of terrier and a wiener dog. She is more comical than menacing. However, it turns out that she posseses something of a killer instinct.
During my first day of guardianship, the day before yesterday, Trudi and I were leaving my place, which happens to be right next to Trudi's place. No sooner had we stepped off the porch when the dog lunged into some brush next to it, apparently attracted to some movement there. Within a few seconds she emerged with a small furry animal that was larger than the field mice we frequently see around these parts. I was kind of horrified by the sight, but as the dog wasn't actually doing anything "wrong" I didn't feel a dramatic response was warranted. On the other hand, I didn't want the captured victim to be further traumatized--wondering if I was going to have to perform a "mercy killing."
I wish I had some dog treats on me as that would likely gotten Trudi to release the animal the quickest. I tried distracting her by throwing a stick, but the animal that she was chewing on at this point remained far more interesting to her. I finally forced its release by provoking a gag reflex with my fingers--at which point it was apparent that the bloodied animal was dead. I didn't recognize it right away; I was focused on dragging--yes, DRAGGING the dog away from the lifeless yet persistently fascinating critter, which turned out to be a baby rabbit. I carefully laid the bunny on a large rock nestled in some tall grass. It was missing by the following morning. Hopefully some coyote or crow got a meal out of it. Kind of sad to think that a bunny parent or sibling might have also encountered it.
The incident stuck with me until the end of the day. I am really fond of Trudi, and I realize she was only acting out of instinct. But I was upset that she killed that rabbit. I don't even like to kill flies that get into my house (but I will if they annoy me enough). I was also beating myself up for not being more clever in intervening.
A few days later, I have moved on. But I now recognize Trudi's bunny killer tendencies and will care for her with that in mind.
Cheers!
