Pity the Mouse That Invades Our Domain...

Sunday afternoon we noticed that Milo was rather intently focusing on something underneath the shoe shelf next to the front door. Having had spiders invading our space lately, we naturally figured that it was time for another arachnid to die. Bekah and Kate assisted by lifting the shoe shelf so that I could see where the target was, when, what to my wondering eyes did appear- a Mouse! (Milo knew all along) Given the increased space, Milo rushed in to get the scared little creature- which outmaneuvered him and boldly made for another corner of the living room!

The girls, hot on the trail, moved the couch so that Milo could continue the pursuit, and our furry prey managed to get under the bookshelf in the corner.

There were moments when we thought it was back under the couch- so naturally, Kate and Bekah feel they need to jump on the couch...

Aha! We have you in our sights...

Poor little guy. But, it's him or us.
(I photoshopped in the dust and detritus to give this a more authentic look- wink!)

We brought Emmi in after Milo lost interest. He must have figured the girls would get it.

But Emmi is not a team player- she ditched us and we put Milo back into the arena.

Kate managed to tease it out from under the shallow set of shelves, yet it made its way to the deeper bookshelves! Better view, but farther recessed out of reach. Now we wait...

Waiting is for the birds! Let's get Emmi back in here!

We see you...

"Look, you guys are nuts. I prefer to work alone."

Sure enough, after all that effort, the mouse got away. Another attempt by Kate to chase it out with the ruler emboldened it to run right across Milo's belly and disappear! So we all retreated to our various pursuits, reading, going to youth group, licking our coats, sharpening claws, etc. Knowing that we shared our home with not only a mouse, but a very ineffective cat gave us each something upon which to ponder.

The mouse, meanwhile, was surely regaling his buddies with the tale of his harrowing escape. They must have been slapping him on the back and buying him another round. Yet, as the beer flowed and his ego grew, his doom was only more certain. For it is arrogance that causes stupid mistakes. Unnecessary risks are taken for granted when one considers himself bullet-proof...

Around 1 am we heard Kate call up the stairs,"Emmi has the mouse!"

Sure enough, Emmi had bided her time, waiting for the hysterical gang to go to sleep so that she could work alone...

"Dance, mouse."

She played him out until not an ounce of swagger was left.

Due to the graphic nature of the remainder of this encounter, no more photographs will be displayed. Let it hereby be known that Emmi is the reigning champion in our home. She was allowed to keep her kill, the better to encourage her mousing prowess in the future.