My neighborhood patrol job is inherently dangerous.  In my six years of performing my duties day in and day out, I’ve seen a lot.  I’ve saved a dog from getting hit by a car, I’ve been stalked by coyotes along the wood line, I’ve been stared down by a bull, and I’ve even had to jump out of the way of a swerving car driven by a woman waving at us!  But none of these experiences prepared me for being ambushed on my walk on Friday.

There I was walking along with Dad when something on the side of the road caught my attention.  I gave it a quick sniff, then looked up at Dad to let him know it was nothing of concern.  However, the sudden change in his expression led me to believe that something was wrong.  He quickly ushered me to the nearest driveway and started taking Ticks off of me!  Clearly that interesting piece of trash on the side of the road was a trap to ambush me!  I stepped onto a Tick nest!

My left ear, leg and paw were covered with creepy crawly Ticks!  Luckily though Dad got right to work getting as many of them off of me before they could hide in my fur…or worse, bite me!  Once the immediate threat was over, we quickly headed home to continue to search for more that may be hiding on me.  Luckily Asa wasn’t with us on this walk, but instead out on an errand with Mom.  But when she came home, she took over the brushing and search for enemy number one!  On the bright side, Asa was forbidden to cuddle with me like he usually does.  So for a few hours I got some peace from him and a nice massage as Mom searched for hidden Ticks.

The attached photo isn’t me.  Years ago Lemmy’s extended family got ambushed by ticks, and his Grandma Rose and Aunt Daphne got very sick.  At the time Momma Butter warned Lemmy to take every precaution to hide from ticks.  Being a rather literal fellow, he went to the extreme by donning this ridiculous outfit.  I use to think he was overreacting.  However, now I’m beginning to appreciate that he was right and I need tick camouflage next time I’m out on neighborhood patrol!  Ticks, if you happen to be reading this, be warned that I’m ticked off!