Rats

Being early is rarely an issue for me. That is; I’m never early.  I found myself in an unfamiliar position the other day ready to head to the vet. Load ’em up, fire up the truck and nothing. Well, almost nothing. A few chugs and we turned back down the hill to check out the problem. Pop the hood and I had my answer in the most bizarre under-hood sight I’d ever seen. A combination of shredded wires, mesquite bean pods, cholla cacti and insulation all mixed up. Only one thing could cause such chaos in the week since I’d last driven the truck. Packrats. 

 Furious beyond belief, yet chuckling at my own stupidity for falling for their tricks a second time in the last six months,  I called to postpone and reschedule our appointment, turning a rare chance to be early into a probable no-show fee! I started the process of gently pulling out the jumping cactus and pitching them in to a barrel. What creature could possibly enjoy nesting in one of the most annoying of all cactus. 

After most of those were tossed it was time to chuck the mesquite pods and clean up the remaining insulation. Finally trace the chewed wires to the source to find out if I can handle them or if AAA takes us to the shop. All the while no sign of the critter/s other than their destruction. 

Several weeks ago I had multiple members of the local clan in the back yard.  A couple of them were cornered by guest pups and for some crazy reason I saved them and sent them back into the desert. Some thanks they (or relatives) gave me, huh? That problem has since been fixed with a modified metal screen covering gaps around gates and other fence holes. Guess that ticket them off enough they headed straight for the rarely used vehicle. 

First round of their work a few months ago cost me a couple belts and I should know in the next day what the final tally is for this round. I think I’ll keep a photo to take to my rescheduled vet’s appointment. Along the lines of ….the dog ate my homework….

Another lesson on life in the desert.