While returning from a bog patrol just before getting back to our yard last Sunday, Murphy detected a target near bridge Bravo. I took a number of pictures while this racoon wandered around the creek, crossed the bridge, and started up the side of the road as if to cross.
I normally drop the leash and stand on it while taking pictures when we are out in the woods (sometimes I am wiser and clip him to a tree). I did not have time nor a nearby tree this time. As I concentrated on trying to get pictures, the Murph took off and pulled the leash right from under my boots.
He went charging after the animal, jumped into the water and caught it full in his mouth. There was water and thrashing and screaming; it was awful. Because this occurred next to shore, I managed to grab him with some difficulty without getting pulled into the water and that bit of attention allowed the poor creature to get away.
We hustled home to wash the sorry-looking, mud-spattered, soggy dog and look him over for injuries. We found none and Murphy seemed pretty proud of himself the rest of the day. While we left the racoon alive on the side of the creek, I fear he was injured and we may find him later.
The hunter’s roost; our neighbor’s tree stand along the edge of the beaver bog (right).
