ANIMAL KINGDOM

ANIMAL KINGDOM      

I love the outdoors! Had you known me as a child, you wouldn’t believe it. My mother, were she living, would be amazed. Living near wildlife brings both joy and challenges. From sharing sweet potatoes with deer to employing creative deterrents for skunks and squirrels, I try to coexist with the creatures that call my backyard home. However, despite all efforts at peaceful coexistence, sometimes a line must be drawn.

The small beady eyed, pointed snout pests with shovel-like paws for digging, has disrespected the underground sanctity of the backyard for the last three years and decided this year to explore the side and front yard. My last resort to run them away, castor oil laced heavily with peppermint oil, was unsuccessful. The subterranean mammal made our yard look like a miniature mountain range. Dinner guest, arriving one evening, greeting us with, “What are you going to do about your moles?” was the last straw. Within days my husband found a trapping service. Three little persistent moles, with their relentless digging and disruption, became the exception to my rule of harmony. They joined the previous exception to that rule, snakes.

Moles aerates the soil and improve drainage but, in the process, they destroy beautiful things and don’t play well with others – namely the grounds keeper of the property -me…OOPs! that sounds like some relationships that I have had…noticed the past tense and like some of the habits that I have.

This experience reminded me that in life, as in the garden, there are times when boundaries must be set, and difficult decisions made for self-preservation. Just as a few small moles can upend an entire yard, certain relationships—despite our best intentions—can cause disproportionate harm and must be addressed with resolve and care for one’s own well-being. When negotiations have failed and others notice the destruction to you, it is time to resort to drastic measures – removal.

The mole trapper informed my husband that moles are territorial. Because they are so destructive, one might think that their yard is infested with many when two or three is the norm. Who knew so few and such a small thing could cause so much damage.

P.S. We thought they were finished with us – THEY ARE BACK! - WE HOPE NOT!

Romans 12:18

PONDER THIS THOUGHT--- Removal may seem drastic, harsh, and the best thing for one’s self-preservation.

 Mole trapper holding the first catch.