"Little" Hunter
Now everyone knows that the border terrier is a working breed, more than capable of catching rabbits and rats, following the hounds and, though rightly frowned upon, have been known to take badgers. They are game and brave little dogs.
We are, however, owners of 'pet' borders and whilst appreciating there value as working dogs, do not enter willingly into such pursuits.
About two years ago, after a wet spring, we awoke one morning to find mole hills in our reasonably well kept lawn. The following morning there were more and despite stamping down the hills and creating as much vibration as possible, the little old man in the velvet jacket kept on returning.
We shoved a hose pipe down the hole to try and wash him away, and then stuck garlic cloves in the run. Still he kept coming.
A few days later on a rather pleasant afternoon, my good lady was generally weeding between the perennials and enjoying the pleasures of spring in the garden (as one does).
The dogs were snuffling about amongst the flowerbeds, eating what they fancied and flattening the rest when a sudden lurch and growl by one of the dogs obviously caught my wife's attention.
She immediately shouted "leave" and rushed to see what the rumpus was about.
There, lying on the grass, was a huge mole - stone dead, but warm.
The mole had no obvious damage to it (i.e. no wounds), other than a wet patch on its back where the soft mouth or wet nose of our oldest dog had touched it.
The fact that the dog made no attempt to retrieve its capture confirms the understanding that moles produce a repellent smell when captured - and obviously die from heart failure on encountering a border terrier.
The dog had naturally proven her ability as a hunter and was happy to wander off and lie in the sun on the lawn.
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