Suburban Chicago News Classifieds SearchChicago Autos SearchChicago Homes  Jobs Sun-Times Find a Pet Classified Ads

The News Hound: Pets: September 2008 Archives

Pets: September 2008 Archives

Eau de Skunk

| | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)


The Hound originally thought Gurnee was Skunkland, but it appears Zion is starting to rank right up there on the smell-o-meter. But, wait. There's also been complaints from Green Oaks residents about skunky smells. What to do? What to do?

Skunks smell. There's no getting around this fact of animal life. The Hound has had run-ins with skunks and can testify they smell --- bad. There's no correct way to describe the smell of a skunk. It is a mix of urine, ammonia, burning rubber and, well, skunk. It is one mean cologne. It can make one's eyes water and have one embark on a coughing fit.

How to get rid of skunks in your neighborhood? Good luck. The Hound has seen humans try soaking rags in ammonia and laying them around their lawns. Doesn't work. The reason skunks are around is the grubs under one's lawn. The nicer the lawn, usually there's more grubs.

What Zion, Gurnee and Green Oaks needs are more owls. Skunks are a delicacy for owls. They can't smell the creatures. And, since both are night-time predators, well, you get the picture. Give a hoot, invite an owl to dinner. And not takeout at Hooters.

Time to bite back

| | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)


Isn't it about time the apologists for pit bulls in what is becoming Pit Bull County start to admit there's a problem with this breed. Oh, you can blame the owners, but these dogs are running wild in the streets and elected officials need to start biting back.

What has the hair on the The Hound's neck up is the latest mauling by members of the breed which took place the other day in Waukegan. A 19-year-old woman was attacked by three pit bulls which ripped off a part of her ear and chewed on her arms and legs. A relative described Kiara Lynn's arms as looking like "they were stuck in a meat grinder." She had gashes as wide as three and four inches to her skin and remains in stable condition in the hospital. She was attacked while walking past the dogs which broke free from their yard.

Officials must take action. Either banning the breed, as North Chicago has done, increasing fines for owners of the breed, making them register the dogs or keeping a bond on file. And, The Hound doesn't want to hear about how any dog could bite someone. They don't attack as viciously as the pit bull breed.

And, let's not forget the two Round Lake Beach residents who were arrested the other day after police discovered 27 pit bulls at their home. Guess they own a pet store, huh? Not! They were charged with animal cruelty for allegedly running a dog-fighting pound.

If these two mopes represent the pit bull owners of Lake County, it's time to put these folks away for along time and get tough on the breed. Sorry, pit bull owners, your friendly and lovable dogs are no longer wanted here.