They are the bane of the existence of a farm pond, including ours. The rascals will move in and tunnel through the walls of the pond until "Good-bye, pond!". On the other hand, the dogs are highly entertained nosing around any place the muskrats have moved into.
Today's adventure began as a morning fence check before moving the sheep to the pasture near the pond which hasn't been used for a couple months. Water is everywhere after the rain and frost leaving the ground. The dogs are happily running in the orchard but then run to accompany me on my walkabout, that is, until they catch a scent around the pond. Fence check completed, I move on to the barn but the dogs, Mac and Sadie, stay and begin their relentless pursuit of the intuders.
I complete my barn chores, move the sheep and go into the house. The dogs continue the hunt. We can see the action from inside, frantic digging under the tree shading the pond, first Mac, then Sadie, then both, and the turntaking resumes after a few laps around and in the pond. We haven't seen any sign of the object of their attention but are certain it is a "critter". Two hours later, a sighting and the end. Sadie is the swimming half while Mac "the attacker" finishes the chase. We see that the dogs have returned to the house for their breakfast. A quick perimeter check yields the carcass of a muskrat. Mission accomplished, pooches. A second critter appears later with the same pursuit and outcome. Tonight the dogs are tired and sore but the pond seems safe for now. Safe to remain, not safe for the invaders.
More on visitors from the wild on another day.
