SKUNKED!

Rusty has (or should I say had) a new playmate. Only this one isn't the type I want to keep around. Late Thursday night, I took Rusty out for his nightly "duty" and he literally bolted off the steps. No way was he stopping. I'm thinking "he's after a cat - no stopping him now!" As I yelled for him to stop, he kept going not even looking back to see if he was in trouble! I should interject this at 10:40pm! Suddenly, the brakes came on as he accessed the river bed rocks and came up close and personal with: As I stepped off the deck, I knew what stopped him - the smell totally gave it away. Yep, he discovered why skunks don't like to play! Luckily, he stopped just in time to avoid being directly sprayed but managed to get most of the spray on his legs and tail. Not quite sure how it happened that way, but I can tell you I was very glad!!! Now Rusty, on the other hand, wasn't quite so glad. He kept shaking each paw as if to shake off this disgusting smell. Pretty funny sight!
I called my neighbor (after checking to see if lights were on) and told her not to let her dogs out as there was a skunk now in her yard. She assured me she had just let them out the FRONT door so all was safe. She then said to bathe Rusty in pure vinegar (doesn't matter white or cider) or Listerine. I had both but decided to try the vinegar first.
Now, Rusty normally loves his bath. Not so much this time. He kept fussing with his legs, even licked one (wish I had the camera to catch his expression after that!) but settled down once the vinegar dissolved the oil and smell.
We had no lingering smell in the house nor on him so we all managed to crash around midnight and call it a good night! Not an adventure Rusty is likely to repeat any time soon! (Or at least we are hoping!)