Let’s Talk Skunks (Yes, Really)
At first, I thought I’d spend World Animal Day (October 4) writing about rabbits, cats, or alpacas. They’re all cute, cuddly, and photogenic, but I already had the alpacas covered a few days ago. Cats and rabbits? They’ve had their share of posts too.
So today, I’m zigging where everyone else zags. Instead of fluffy or majestic, I’m going with… skunks. Yes, skunks.
The creatures who seem to have a PhD in chemical warfare and a sixth sense for knowing when you’re finally relaxing in your living room—because that’s the exact moment they decide to unleash Eau de Rotten Eggs #5.
For those lucky enough never to have lived near skunks, let me explain: their spray doesn’t politely waft. It doesn’t knock first. It charges right through mobile home walls like a hot knife through butter. And if you have a nervous system that already feels like it’s wired together with frayed Christmas lights, the sulfur in that spray isn’t just smelly—it’s a full-body alarm bell.
So,
naturally, I wrote a children’s book about them.
Wait—what?
Yes, really. It’s Not My Fault, a Journey Through Noise, Labels, and Learning to Feel Safe -- a children’s story and activity book, was my therapy project. When life gives you skunks (every. single. night.), you either cry, move, or turn them into punchlines and activity pages. I chose punchlines. Because while skunks might drive me nuts, they also deserve their own PR team.
World Animal Day is about recognizing the value of all creatures—not just the ones that purr nicely on our laps. Skunks are pest control pros, insect terminators, and ecosystem balancers. They’re like tiny, smelly superheroes… except instead of capes, they wear racing stripes and carry a weapon you can smell from three blocks away.
So
today, let’s celebrate the underappreciated stinkers of the world. May we learn
from them:
· To stand our
ground.
· To use our talents
(even the questionable ones).
· And to make sure
no one forgets we were here.
It’s
Not My Fault
is part of that strategy for me. Because sometimes the best therapy for
frustration is turning it into creativity.
Happy
World Animal Day—hug your pets, wave at your wildlife, and if you see a skunk,
maybe just… salute from a safe distance.
2 comments:
A wonderful, imaginative story about an under appreciated, but very cute, animal. While I don't smell them anymore, this story brought back memories of childhood dogs who ventured too close to Pepe le Pew, and came home in disgrace. Tomatoe juice over the dog was the only aid to conquer the smell during those days.
Thank you for stopping by and being one of my loyal readers! These stinky nuggets are super cute, agreed. Strangely enough, I've read that tomato juice doesn't work on skunk smell!
Post a Comment