We Found the Thief...

We've been trying to solve a mystery. Something chewed a hole in our garbage can that holds birdseed. A ragged hole was found a few days ago. It was on the lid of the container. I investigated and heard a scratching on the top of the opened garage door. I knew the culprit was up there. It was louder than a mouse would sound. I told Joe and he taped the hole with duct tape...a man's solution to the problem. We would go in a few days and buy a metal can..he said.

Well, our little bandit chewed right through the duct tape and proceeded to make noises while he was eating. So, Joe, set a mouse trap and put it in the container. I pleaded, saying that we would only harm this poor little thing, since it had to be bigger than a mouse. We would only break it's leg and then what would we do? Well, the trap was set with peanut butter as bait. A little later, when Joe investigated, the trap was sprung and the peanut butter was gone. I had visions of Chip...holding the wire down with his one foot, while he was eating his snack with the other :) Early this morning I mentioned that the culprit might even be a rat. I warned Joe about putting his hand in there without looking. It was decided to make a trip to Farm and Fleet to get a metal can. The trap was removed and he came inside.

Now the story gets better...Joe was leaving for the gym and I get a phone call from Joe. He's in the garage..."Come quick Balisha...I want you to see this." I ran out to the garage and he had hauled the can outside and was standing back. He said, "Go over and look." I was a bit apprehensive not knowing what was in there. When I peeked over the top...there, looking up at me was this tiny little creature. He looked like he had died and gone to Heaven...burrowing his face in all that wonderful seed. If he could have talked, he might have said...."Mine...it's all mine." He was jumping like a kangaroo to try to get out. He would jump for a couple of minutes and then grab a mouthful of seed. I ran for the camera and took a few pictures. Joe was getting ready to leave, so I tipped the can and let him go. I wonder if it could have been Simon, Theodore or Alvin...or was it Chip or Dale? We'll never know...for he is long gone. Last time I saw him, he was heading north...skipping and jumping for joy behind the birds nest spruce on his way to our bird feeder.

Balisha