If The Hound knows one thing in the universe is true, it's that skunks smell. They smell real bad. How bad? Bad. So The Hound can't figure out why people in Illinois, mainly downstate Illinois, want to keep skunks as pets. They do and they are waging a war to change state law.
Apparently, skunk lovers and there's more than one would suspect, want some legislator to step up and introduce a bill eliminating the ban pet ownership of striped skunks in Illinois, establishing a permit policy promoting responsible ownership of the smelly creatures. Yeah, like that's going to happen.
Residents of certain parts of Gurnee are plagued by skunks in spring and fall, as they dig up lawns looking for tasty grubs. Peterson Road west of Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville was known for years as "Skunk Hollow," The Hound has been told. None of these places had pet skunks.
But advocates for pet skunks are working hard to get these creatures in the same league as ferrets. There's another nasty creature. They even have a Web site www.skunklaw.com to lobby for skunk ownership. They're mascot is Pepe, obviously named for the lovable Warner Brothers cartoon character. How come they didn't pick flower from Disney's Bambi. Flower's mother wasn't shot, was she? The other animals just ran from the skunks. And for good reason.
They even allege that skunks are the original American companion animal, known as the "noble striped creatures befriended by the natives" from Christopher Columbus' writings. No wonder Columbus thought he was in India.
The Hound has met several people who looked like they were wearing skunks on their heads because of cheap hairpieces. Granted, skunks have a bad rap, but how many sports teams are named for the creatures.
Until you get a sports moniker, you're doomed to stink up the place.
Atleast you spelled my name right. Even though you are obviously not a good cantidate to be adopted by a pet skunk, please do not look down on them. They are polite nonagressive creatures who welcome affection and have a happy go lucky live and let live attitude. American striped skunks are popular house pets among the upper elite of the UK, Italy, Holland, and even Japan among others. Over there, the descented domestic breed does not have to deal with the bad reputation we have labled them with back here in the land of the free. Funny huh, legal in a country where they are not found in the wild, but you say it is a joke to ask Illinois legislators to bring our laws up to spec with modern times.
On a seperate note:
Pepe Le Pue was kind of a slimeball, most educated women hate everything he represented. It was not our intention to copy or be like him, so we may want to change mascot names soon to disassociate ourselves with his poor social image.
THE HOUND SEZ: Oh, let's all follow the upper elite of the UK, Italy, Holland and Japan. If we did that we'd be drinking warm beer, pinching women's butts, riding bikes to work and reading anime porn. Polite and non-aggressive? Surely you jest. The Hound got a snootful of skunk stink and that nasty creature wasn't running away. He stayed and laughed. And for your mascot's name, how about Stinky?
OK, so do you post comments here or not? Where is the one I left yesterday?
THE HOUND SEZ: Of course we post comments. However, the other comments said yours stunk.
LEAVE THE SKUNKS ALONE!!! Man"KIND" -- please learn how to EXIST with Nature-- THEy were here LONG before you and I were -- and it's their NATURE to dig -- just as it's your precious little pampered Shih Tzus' nature to dig -- and since man"kind" is denuding forests in the name of McMansions and Tacky Townhouses-- where are the ORIGINAL inhabitants of these forests going to go??
Who are we the Humans, to say what is acceptable for Mother Earth? Let's get EDUCATED about wildlife and the symbiotic relatinship we ALL need to have with this earth, and stop being so SELFISH when it comes to sharing the earth!!!
THE HOUND SEZ: Geez, take a chill pill ecofreak. The Hound would never own a Shih Tzu --- nothing but a kick dog.
Where are skunks going to go after the forests are clear-cut and McMansions are built? Underneath all the sheds people plant in their back yards because riding lawn mowers, snowblowers, weed whackers, etc., don't fit in their three-car garages because the mega-SUVs take up all the room.
Those pesky and smelly creatures sure can reproduce at a rapid rate. For every dead skunk in the middle of the road, there's plenty out there digging up suburban lawns looking for something to eat. Just like in the forest.
you don't seem to realize that pet skunks are descented - this is the kind of stupidity skunk law is trying to stop
skunks are live and let live creatures - they do not hurt a soul and are a benifit to nature in getting rid of pests like rodents and bugs- if you are mad they did up a yard - you will be even madder when the grubs destoy it
Pet skunks are wonderful - mine is better than any cat or dog I ever owned and cleaner- my skunk only smells from cucumber shampoo
what do you suggest you would smell like if you lived in the woods?
THE HOUND SAYS: Holly, you obviously don't live in Illinois since you have a pet skunk. What doesn't smell better than a cat? If you're skunk smells like cucumber shampoo, The Hound suggests you need to be a Barbi guardian, not a pet guardian.
Illinois is one of the few states in our country in which skunk ownership is completely banned. Why they are banned, I don't completely understand. If it's because the state is afraid they will be 'stolen from the wild' and sold, there are ways to prevent that. Other states require permits issued by the state, and if you can't provide a previous permit number of where you purchased your skunk, you don't get a permit, and the DNR is hot on your trail. Spread of disease?? Contrary to popular belief, skunks do not 'carry' rabies. An animal either has it or it doesn't, and skunks are no more or less prone to have rabies than any other warm blooded creature. Odor?? Skunks sold as pets are descented when they're a few days old. Anything else??? Any other issues???
I got my first pet skunk in August of 2001. There were 10 in the pen, and I grabbed up the one that walked up to me, not paying any attention to his color or markings(domestic skunks come in many MANY colors and patterns). He was a black and white, the standard "classic" that people picture when they picture a skunk. He, at 6 weeks of age, rode on my lap the whole 2 hour ride back home to Columbus, never attempted to bite, just sat there and looked around. At that time, my husband and I had 11 pets; cats, ferrets and snakes. This skunk, "Angus"(AKA Shtinky), took up a place in our hearts like none of them. We joined up with a skunk rescue in North Ridgeville, Ohio to do whatever we could to spread the word about skunks, and to show people that skunks are not as bad as they're made out to be. We took Shtinky to educational presentations and pet shows from the time he was 6 months old. People lined up 10 deep in Columbus, Ohio to see us at the first show we did. Everyone was absolutely AMAZED at how adorable skunks are, how cuddly, and friendly. We probably did, oh, 50 shows total with him, traveling across Ohio to attend them. Shtinky was the 'photo op' skunk, had his picture taken many times on the laps of strangers. Meanwhile, in his 'off time', he slept in our bed with us every night, lay by our side on the couch and watched tv with us, took walks in the park on a leash, and just generally spent his life thrilling and delighting everyone. All my co-workers loved him, he spent many hours in the dental offices that I worked in, spent many hours visiting friends and relatives, because we couldn't go anywhere without brining him unless we wanted to be chastised when we got there. He was the friendliest, most wonderful creature we ever had the pleasure of meeting. Sadly, he passed away while I was in labor with my son this past August.
I don't want to give the impression that all skunks are as friendly and sweet as Shtinky, they are as varied in personality as people. But when the right skunk finds you, there is no dog, cat, ferret, rabbit, fish, gerbil, hamster, snake, or bird that can fill the space in your heart once they're gone. Only my son, who bears the name Angus as a middle name in honor of the timely departure and arrival on this earth of the two of them, has filled that space. And I think Shtinky wanted it that way.
THE HOUND SEZ: Being from Ohio explains everything. Illinois, Barack; Ohio, Hillary. Of course all skunks aren't as friendly and sweet as Shtinky. Like any pet once living in the wild, they will turn mean. Naming your skunk Shtinky only continues the stereotype. Name your next skunk Bruce. He'll thank you as will your next son.
You're a douchebag. What people want to keep as pets is their business. NOT yours. Why don't you go soak your head in a toliet?
THE HOUND SEZ: Now that type of language stinks, don't you agree? And, it is my business what type of pets people have. Municipalities, townships, counties and states all have laws regulating pets. From how many you can have to what types and what shots they need. I get mine every year, whether I need them or not. Besides skunks, in Illinois you can't own a tiger. Unless you have a permit from the feds. And, The Hound has soaked his head many a time in a comode. The water is always colder there.
Kyds Skunk Racing Team is one moniker you might want to look into.You might also try doing some real research before you reveal your ignorance when spouting off. Incomplete and biased journalism is destroying the media in this country, as is government intrusion into all aspects of our lives. Skunks are clean, intelligent, sweet animals who have gotten a bad rep when the reporting on their assets as pets is ignored. You owe it to your readers to be honest and factual.
THE HOUND SAYS: Oh, like you're not biased in favor of skunks? Get real, skunk lover, this is Illinois. The only thing that we want smelling bad is our corruption.
People like You stink to me!!!!! **Ignorance is Not bliss.** Have you ever even met a domesticated skunk???? I am sure you haven't as if you love animals (which you probably don't). You could not help but fall in love with these little animals. Ignorant people like You need to just Get Out Of The Way.
THE HOUND SAYS: Carlene, Carlene. Do you warble any nice country tunes? Whomever said "ignorance is bliss"? Not The Hound. Domesticated skunks? Sounds like domesticated minks. They make nice coats, but they, too, are nasty creatures. Very nasty.
You are putting down an animal you have never even touched apparently. Skunks are the most lovable creatures. When an owner gets their hands on their babies, they already have their stink glands removed, Therefore there isn't a smell to them at all. Skunks come in all colors, not just your classic black and Whites. I have been a skunk owner for more than 12 years. If you want to really get to know a skunk and their owners, you need to come to a skunk show. You will get to see alot of different skunks, personalities, colors and the owners that love them dearly, so until you have your hands on one, Please do not put down the skunks.
THE HOUND SAYS: Do they come in pink? Burnt umber? Cerise? I'm afraid to attend a skunk show. They probably serve grub burgers.
You have obviously never done your homework concerning domesticated pet skunks. They have been bred at breeding farms for well over 150 years. They are no more wild than your family dog. Skunk kits are descented by the breeder when they are 3 weeks old, and they make wonderful pets. They bond with their owners more than any cat or dog, use litter boxes, eat out of dishes, and snuggle and cuddle with those that care for them.
Before you dismiss pet skunks, look into what they are actually like, get some information, don't just draw conclusions from a little bit of misinformation.
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Ginny
THE HOUND SEZ: OK, The Hound is being inundated by skunk-loving wingnuts. With the many pet options out there, just what type of person is a skunk owner. What's the profile? Why pick a skunk as a pet over a hedge hog? Is this pet picking striclty a black-and-white issue? And, what do you feed domesticated skunks? Grub burgers?
??So where are the posted comments??
THE HOUND SEZ: As a skunk owner, we know you can't smell. Apparently, you also can't read or operate a computer.
Here are a few answers to your questions Hound,
Minks are very mean, I would not recommend one as a pet, but I would suggest leather gloves to be worn before suggesting a new law banning minks. You mentioned wild animals turning mean all of a sudden; I think you may have heard that about rococoons where it is common, not the case with domestic skunks. Skunks bond well with their families and get lame and lazy when they get older. Lap sitters, not house trashers.
Disease: Check the CDC and legal state Health Dept.'s There has NEVER been a case of rabies in a pet skunk.
Next, Colors, yes, they come in pink, only they call it Champaign, Brown is Chocolate, Grey is Smoke, Black is still Black, and they can be all white or albino.(eye color differentiates the last two) Check the gallery page on skunklaw. You may also want to watch a video or two about tame domestic house skunks.
OK who is a good candidate to be adopted by a skunk? It is easier to say who is not. Baby skunks break cute meters, so 13 year old girls see one and have to have it, not a good idea. Students who will leave the skunks behind with parents when they go to college is not a good idea. Apartment renters and starter families is not a good idea. Skunks should go to homes where the owners can treat them like children. Lots of time playing with and handling them, responsible enough to provide them a balanced diet. An established stable family who owns their home would be great for a pet skunk. Retired couples also find a pet skunk will easily provide companionship and entertainment when kids and grand kids are not around. Pet skunks are a miracle cure for empty nest syndrome.
Grubs, huh? Skunks prefer 3 balanced meals per day over grub burgers. If you ate only what your doctor recommended, you would have the right diet for a pet skunk. You know, no fried, not too much fatty, etc.
By the way, you seem to be the only anti skunk person bothering to write here. Why are there no other opinions matching yours posted here, lack of readers or lack of agreement? Chances are, no one but the all knowing all powerful government you seem to really support cares whether I have a skunk as a pet or not. Why do you support such an invasive controlling government anyway?
Never forget, tollerance is a major part of maintaining freedom. Tolerate what does not directly hurt you, do not regulate what you do not understand.
Beth
THE HOUND SEZ: Beth, Beth, Bo-beth. Beth. The one question you failed to answer is: Why a skunk? With all the puppy dogs, felines, fish, birds, guinea pigs, mice, rats, ferrets, monkeys, turtles and rabbits, why would somebody pick a skunk for a pet. Really, this truly amazes The Hound, who found out recently that skunk is the favorite delicacy of Great Horned owls. Hoo, hoo, hoo --- yummy! About the colors, surely you mean Champagne, not Champaign which is where the Illini roam. You obviously are not from the Prairie State, where in some downstate locales, skunk road kill slowcooked can feed a family of four for several days. One more thing about those colors, they sound like paint swatches The Hound is looking at for his dog house. As for anti-skunkers posting, some have. We have just blocked them because they call you skunk lovers vile names. And who exactly told you "tolerance is a major part of maintaining freedom"? Dr. Phil? The major part of maintaining freedom is overwhelming firepower.
It always gets me when people who have no clue stand up and speak out. You sit here and type false information about skunks and when someone who is well informed trying to explain the truth about this wonderful creature you shoot them down. Skunks are not as you are trying to make them out to be. You act like the domestic skunks that we have as pets are exactly like their wild relatives and this is just not the case. In one of you earlier posts you say "Like any pet once living in the wild, they will turn mean" this such a stupid comment...do you consider ALL cats, dogs, rabbits, or any other domesticated animal mean?? That is not the case with those animals nor with skunks. If you are going to paint a picture at least get your colors right...or maybe you are color blind.
THE HOUND SEZ: Guess you never heard of feral cats, Jane. Or how about wild dogs. Maybe wild boars? There are thousands of cases of domesticated animals turning, whether they be dogs or animals in the zoo or elephants on parade. Perhaps you relationship with your skunk has colored your outlook when it comes to this issue.
Why a skunk?
I am allergic to cats and affraid of dogs. How friendly or cuddly is a parakeet? Fish can also stink. Ferrets definately stink, but I love them anyway. Guinea pigs are not much fun, nor are rats or mice. Monkey's would be cool, but I do not feel I could really tolerate caring for them the way they deserve for as long of a term as they would need. In short, they are too much work for me.
Skunks are a great balance in many favored charicteristics of companion animals. The only major problem is biased public opinion based on myths.
Oh yea, the Dr. Phil thing...Right...It was Thomas Payne I was paraphrasing in that statement. Do you know who he is? While he supported your stand on firepower, he wrote a document he hoped would prevent us from needing such firepower to remain free.
Sorry about my spelling abilities, please remember that I am a graduate of Illinois Public Schools.
THE HOUND SEZ: Being a product of Illinois public schools explains a lot, Beth, including why you want a skunk as a pet. Illinois public schools may not teach you to spell, but there is a little device called spellcheck. Please learn to use it.
Also, it's Thomas Paine, you referenced, not Payne. The Hound doesn't remember him being a pacificist or a lover of dear little skunks. In fact, didn't he support the Revolutionary War? Does this ring a bell?
"These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value."
Now you're getting it. I am starting to like you after all.
THE HOUND SAYS: Well, you've learned The Hound's bark is worse than his bite.