I had all sorts of suggestions for my future spool animals, so I started Saturday night. Meet "Daisy the Skunk"!
I told this story on Facebook, but I want to share it here, too. When I was a preschooler, my Dad - who was also a college student/veteran with two daughters and a wife - owned a pet shop in Stevens Point. We had lots of fish in aquariums, budgies (like parakeets), and even a pet monkey.
I've heard stories of how I fell into a salt water tank (right after a fish delivery, no less) and needed stitches above my eye. I also had to have my young stomach pumped because I'd eaten a container of water purification tablets (chlorine). Not too bright then, I guess. The monkey tried to pull out my mum's long hair in a fit of pique, and when someone asked me what my name was and where I lived, I'd reply, "Donna Uby, Budgie Shop". (My maiden name was Newby, but hey. I was only about three.)
So, among other critters, Dad also had a de-scented skunk he named "Daisy". My grandparents lived on a the south side of Stevens Point, and I vividly remember our family visiting them with Daisy in tow. Somehow she got loose, so Dad went out looking for her. My grandparents lived near a dump, so naturally, Dad headed that way.
When he saw Daisy, he was so happy. He ran up to her and scooped her up. Thing is...that wasn't Daisy. He got sprayed...a lot...and came back to the house, stinking to high heaven. Mum, my sister and I all squealed at the smell, and Grandma flatly refused to let him in the house to take a shower. She made him strip down outside and handed him a big container of tomato juice. I don't think we ever saw Daisy again, but Dad managed to get back into Grandma's graces after a tomato bath. This is my little tribute to Dad's little skunk...the one that didn't smell.
I have more animals on my list now, but this is the only one I did this weekend. I also completed Bobbi's travel sewing case which shipped today, but I'm not going to share photographs of it until I know it's in her hands. (I sure hope she loves it!)
Daisy is too cute.
ReplyDeleteGreat story!
I'm sure Bobbi will love it.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteThanks so much! I'm glad you liked the story, too.
xoxo
Donna
Thanks for the laugh, Donna. What a priceless story.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary:
DeleteYou're so welcome, dear. It sure made us laugh whenever it was recounted through the years.
Poor Dad. lol
xoxo
Donna
Oh goodness - NOTHING smells as bad as a skunk and the scent lingers too. Sorry about Daisy escaping but it sure does make a good story. Your Daisy is far nicer!
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteThat's the truth! Seems every time our dogs would get into one, the smell would resurface whenever the dog got wet. Dad used to like retelling the story as we grew up. Never failed to bring a smile. Thanks, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Sherryofcreateology: Daisy is precious! I am so glad she is de-scented. Your poor Dad being sprayed by the mistaken skunk. My Daughter’s dog, Dingo, got sprayed by a skunk and it took quite a while to get him back to normal doggie smell! I Love your Daisy Spoolie Dear.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteThanks, dear. I'm glad, too! We had one dog that got sprayed once, and she made it her mission to hunt down skunks from then on. Of course, that meant she got sprayed again. sigh Only took Dad once, though, and that was enough for him. When handsome and I had our first home, we were walking our dogs through the tall grass to a pond behind our house. We stopped to chat for a bit, and the next step I took, kicked up a skunk. I never saw it, but man, did I know it! The dogs wanted nothing to do with me, and Handsome made me strip at the back door. Good thing we've always lived in the country! Wouldn't want to startle the neighbors. I know just how Dad felt. It was awful. Dogs and people never forget!
xoxo
Donna
I saw this on Facebook yesterday. And I thought oh, that's my Febreze that lives under my shed.
ReplyDeleteShe has roomies too, Woodweenah, the woodchuck and O P the opossum. And the smell of
skunk just makes me smile, because I know someone was antagonizing them and now they
know better. I go out just as it gets dark to feed them. My husband used to say if you get
sprayed you're not coming back in the house.
I don't know if you saw my reply on the 5th? I hope your knee is doing better.
Daisy is a stunner!
Have a wonderful week.
Shirley
Hi Shirley:
Delete"Febreze". LOLOLOLOLOL I love the names you've chosen for all your resident critters. You truly are a girl after my own heart. You're right about the smell. Hopefully, they know better, because, really, who would want to tangle with one more than once?
I'm not sure how I missed your comment, dear, but I've replied to it now. Thanks, my friend.
xoxo
Donna
This is my favorite one so far! He is so cute!
ReplyDelete