Could I possibly be any more stupid?!!

[randomname]

A CAUTIONARY TAIL (tale)


Are you sitting comfortably?
Then I'll begin...
Once upon a time (around 3am last night) I was woken up by a stupid brown dog barking. I told her off a few times, as she is usually barking at the squirrels outside climbing the back of the house. She didn't stop, so I got up to investigate. She was alarm barking, but not urgently or aggressively. I made my way sleepily down the stairs & looking over the safety gate into the kitchen. Both dogs were curled up in the big crate with the door open & to my shock/horror....

                                  THERE WAS SIR IAN McKELLEN!!!!!!

 running around the kitchen, big flappy feet pitter pattering & a stern "you can't stop me" look on his face. I looked at the dogs, both of which were looking at Sir Ian, but not getting up. Most unusual as Minnie (the stupid brown dog) likes a good chase. I freaked out, locked the dogs in their bed & went to investigate. Turns out when I cleaned the chin cage, I hadn't turned the lock. However the catch was on. They must have been shaking it pretty hard to open it, but they managed. Sir Patrick Stewart was hiding under the fire, looking guilty. 
Had to herd Sir Ian McKellen back into the front room (he just ran through the safety gate no probs) & took an hour or more to get them back to safety. Couldn't trick them with treats, a sand bath or a tube. Had to use the carrier to pin them in a corner & catch them. Was shaking the whole time, especially as Evil Eddie the cat was lurking (he's not evil, but he is a normal "I'll catch it if it runs" type) 

The moral(s) of this tale is

1) I am 100% more stupid than a chinchilla.
2) Sir Ian & Sir Patrick work together like in the Great Escape film
3) Sir Patrick will hide, Sir Ian is fearless.
4) Dogs are scared of Sir Ian's stony demeanour & angry face.
5) My dogs can be trusted more than I thought (although I will never give them any opportunity) 
6) I am an idiot.
7) I am an idiot.
8) I am an idiot.

Lesson learned, cages being checked every 5 minutes. Really can't believe I did that, first time anything like that has ever happened in over 10 years. I am an idiot.

[ntg]

Pro tip - this story is even better if you imagine the real Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart in place of chinchillas

Glad everything turned out okay though!

[randomname]

haha Sir Ian running round naked in my kitchen - most unhygienic!
Am so glad they weren't harmed by my stupidity. That would have been unforgivable.

[polly]

Well told Randomname, I'm still laughing at the humour. So glad everything ended happily. It's certainly a wake up call when the little darlings escape. A couple of my sods have done this, but during the day, and thankfully when I've been home. I found Pepper sitting on my bedroom window, happily watching the world go by, while his cage mate, Jason was popcorning in the bathroom, and yes, toilet seat was up.

[moletteuk]

ROFL! And definitely all the funnier for the names!

[randomname]

Oh my goodness, can't imagine what trouble an escaped degu can cause. Terrifying. Don't think Evil Eddie would think twice about pouncing on a goo, but the size of the chins might put him off. (as well as Sir Ian's glare) We had a hamster (Houdini - original!) who escaped a couple of times, always found him with a stash of cat biscuits behind the tumble dryer - he's grab all the lint to make a bed. Mind, I had Bengi & Cat back then, who were 100% trust worthy, so wasn't really worried about them. The dogs I have now are terriers, would never 100% trust them. Eddie either, he's a proper cat, unlike Cat who was the softest creature who has ever existed.
Keep thinking about what could have happened. *shudders*
Sir Patrick & Sir Ian are fine, totally cool - I'm a nervous blimming wreck now

[deguconvert]

You need a spa day!!!

[randomname]

I need a brain - gonna ask Santa for one

[polly]

If you're going for a Spa day Randomname, I'm coming with you. I could well use the relaxation and de stressing 😊.

[randomname]

As long as you're paying polly ....

[randomname]

Serious question though guys - have been mulling over this incident, am wondering if I am being an idiot for having cats/dogs as well as bunnies/chins/goos? I wouldn't have ferrets while I have rabbits, or snakes while I have rodents, as I feel keeping prey & predators where they can see, sense or smell each other is cruel & dangerous. So, how does this fit with the dogs/Eddie? I felt ok about the mix when I had my previous dog & cat, I could vouch 100% for them not hurting any other creature. Not so sure with these guys. I'd say the dogs I 80% trust (especially as neither of them bothered Sir Ian) but Eddie is more like 20% - he goes straight into stalking mode when he's around the the chins & degus. He was particularly "fond" of the gerbil before he died. (He does not get in the room unsupervised)
Am I being cruel/stupid? Morally speaking, am I wrong in doing this? If so, what do I do about it? (I'm not sure "getting rid" of anyone would be in their best interests - but maybe that's just my own selfish love for them speaking)
Bah, moral dilemmas suck.

[randomname]

P.s should also say that I have never had any incident of injury or attack by any one. I have many safety precautions in place & every animal has a safe place to go that is theirs alone. The cages, runs & hutches are all totally attack proof. I supervise all inter species interaction & am (usually) on top of making sure the cages are properly locked!

[polly]

I have a cat who lives indoors and never shows any interest in my chins. I also have a ferret who lives in the same shed as my rabbits and piggies. I've never had any issues whatsoever. I was hoping you were paying for our Spa day, as the chins are all handing me extremely expensive Christmas lists.

[randomname]

So hypothetically speaking, what would you do if, say 20 years in the future, you decided to adopt a cat after your cat's passing, & the new cat turned out to be totally the opposite? Would you feel ok about keeping them but keeping them separate? Eddie would harass & attack the chins & degus all day if I let him. He is an indoor cat too. He is FIV positive as well, so rehoming him would be difficult. He has no issue with not being allowed in the front room. The chins grunt at him if we're in there, but are happy enough when he's not in there. Both the chins & degus can go to the top of their cages to get away from Eddie. Do you think any of them are stressed living like this? Would hate to think I've done the wrong thing by trying to help them? Or am I just thinking too much?! (Lol Ethical vegans have some odd moral dilemmas to consider)

[polly]

I'd do background and temperament checks on the cat first, as with this one. If all your pets have a place of their own to go to, I don't see an issue. If anything, my chins keep the poor cat in his place 😊.

[randomname]

Eddie was a totally different cat when we adopted him a year ago. It's hard to predict how any animal will react to a new home & how that will affect their personalities.
Maybe I'm just overthinking it with all the anxiety the great escape caused. I guess as long as there are precautions in place then it's unlikely anything can happen. Hasn't so far in the 25 years I've lived with animals as an adult, never happened to any one I know either (even with friends that run sanctuaries or rescues) I am at home 24/7 so even if the unthinkable happened, I'd be straight there & would provide vet care instantly.

[polly]

You seem to have all the safety precautions in place. I live in a multi pet household, but don't let the different pets occasional interaction stress me in any way. It's just a case of being vigilant and understanding what potentially could happen.

[deguconvert]

I think you are doing something wonderful and awesome, Randomname! I really do, and you are doing it with intelligence, love, and great care. Don't continue in doubt.