Copper and the ????

I'm no detective.  I mean lets face it, gang, I retired from the banking industry, so my qualifications and credentials certainly are lacking when it comes to a "who done it" situation.  However, to be fair, I'll give you the facts and you, the jury, let me know if you draw the same conclusion.

FACT:

You know how you can tell when something is wrong...or maybe it's just that something isn't quite right?  That's just what happened the other morning when I took the kids (Moon and Copper) outside.  Moon's body language told me that Copper was not feeling himself.  

FACT:

When I looked at Copper, I noticed that he had what appeared to be a cut right in the corner of his mouth.  It was a little raw and when I got closer, I saw that he had some swelling on his upper jowl directly over the corner of his mouth.  He definitely did NOT want me to touch it and I respected his wishes!!

FACT:

Although I'd picked up on the visible signs, his mood was the real indicator.  He was not interested in playing with Kong (now that in itself is scary!) and was not interested in breakfast (although he wolfed down his morning treat).  I watched him closely for two days ensuring that he was chewing on that side because I had actually wondered about an abscessed tooth.  

FACT:

But, chew he did and after the first full day, he was back to his old antics, which I felt was a good sign.  The bump shrank and once it looked less sore and more touchable, I examined it.  This time, he was more than willing for me to touch it and look inside his mouth.  But there was fur missing.  The bruise on the corner of his mouth was gone and apparently the antibiotic helped as there was no sign of infection.  It was all good but I still continued to wonder what he'd gotten into or tangled with.

HEAR SAY/OPINION (with a few incidents to corroborate statement):

Now, if you haven't figured this out by now after reading about him, I'll tell you straight out.  Copper has what I refer to as a "personality disorder."  He is fearless, very inquisitive and a little thick,which, as you know, can be a bad thing sometime.  He is also VERY protective of his kingdom when it comes to outsiders.  He's not fond of trespassers.  Got the picture?

FACT:

Strolling along the creek, I noticed that the weeds grew so tall while I was away on my road trip.  In fact, I thought, Gosh, it's time for me to dig out the weed eater again!  Then, watching Moon and cautioning her to be careful, go easy, I spotted something lying in the creek just beyond the lush grass.  It could hardly be seen from the hill near the barn so I went down to the water's edge to get a better look.  It was large, grayish, furry and motionless.  It was a raccoon. 

VERDICT:

He tangled with the coon and got torn up in the process. 

FACTS:

According to the Vet, rabies is not a worry at this stage of the game...thank goodness! 

I can hardly wait to get the bill!

~~~~~~~

I'm bring this over to Amy's for Farm Friend Friday at Verde Farm.

I can hardly wait for the jury to decide this one!