Heidi Chronicles: Nursery Rhymes

Cheryl, what great pictures! It's just so amazing, and precious, that they would take care of each other like that.

Yanno -- there are other species of animals where others tend to the young while "mom" is away .... but I've never heard of the males doing that chore... usually other females, as males are known to kill the young/babies.

so -- this truly is fascinating, if it is in fact what they are doing... but by what you've witnessed - it does seem likely.

so - do ya think that evening when HRH [papa pooh bear] was waiting for Heidi at the fence, that Dennis was watching the babies?? LOL he was probably sleeping on the job.

No snacks? Well no wonder he fell asleep, he blood sugar was probably crashing! ROFLMBO

Those pictures are so darn cute.

Debbie

LOL...Debbie!!

Headline news:

Hyperglycemic Raccoon goes on Rampage....
Crashes thru store window stealing marshmallows and candy

Story at 11:00!

HA HA HA Debbie! I can just picture that!

Cheryl,
I am continually amazed at the things your are finding out about Heidi and family. It is just incredible to me that HRH and Dennis should be keeping watch like that. I believe you are correct that they may be sharing babysitting chores as well. Their behavior sounds like they have to be doing those things in a purposeful manner. You could have put one incident down to an accident but not as often as you have seen it. It says a lot about you too that you were able to figure out just what they were doing. This stuff just gets more amazing as time goes on (at least for me). I am going to have to do some serious raccoon research now. Not just the fun stuff like the Rascal books but the technical stuff. Does anyone know any good resources? I really wonder if these behaviours have been tracked before. It would seem to me that most scientific research would have been done in wooded areas rather than backyards but I would not really know.

I actually am seriously considering looking into just what type of requirements there are for wildlife rehabbers here. Not that I would probably every get the opportunity but just for my own knowledge. Who knows what path you may have started me on!! :^)

I love Dennis' nap pics! Or maybe he was just pouting because he didn't get his junk food? LOL Sure looks like he enjoyed the peanut butter sandwich, though. I like Debbie's "news flash", lol.

This message was edited Apr 7, 2008 11:34 PM

Terese - I usually do that, too (check the DG Forum when the site seems slow or when I get odd behavior on the site), but last night my router went out again (I need to see what its problem is) and my computer jumped over to my neighbor's signal. So this AM when I started having trouble with the site, I thought it was the neighbor's wireless signal, like maybe I was loosing signal strength or bandwidth during uploads or something. It's the 'can't see the forest for the trees' syndrome. I was too focused on the wireless issue to consider any other reason.

nanny, Marylyn,

Glad that you are taking the possible loss of such favorites as Fraidy and/or Rupert in stride. You are both right. We are observing nature, and this is how it goes sometimes. Things don't always (or even often) go the way we want them to, but they do go the way they are meant to go. And sometimes (although I don't think that will be true with loosing Rupert) we find that the way things actually work out is better than what we thought we wanted in the 1st place. That is one of the central themes of the Heidi story, after all: that we need to accept what is and remain open to the possibility that some of the things that look like problems to us may actually be gifts in disguise - as that is what Heidi herself was for me when she 1st came into my yard.

Anyhow, we've got a whole new group of kits to 'raise' and enjoy. The presence of a number of others in the area would cause a lot of chaos and likely prevent Heidi from bringing the kits to visit. Last year at the 1st sign of any arguing, excitement, and general chaos Heidi always packed up the kits and left the yard. If all of the prior kids stayed indefinitely the crowd would get too large. The fighting and noise would likely get us in trouble with the neighbors. Heidi would never let the babies come to visit. Etc.

I know in time that I will likely 'loose' Dennis as someday it will be his turn to move on. I don't look forward to that day, but I understand that's the way it has to be. I'm determined to be happy for the time I had with him.

Debbie,

About Juliet's (or Blondie's) wound, I've about accepted the dog idea as the most likely, but who knows. Luckily, I think it is looking a bit better now. Tried to get some pics tonight for comparison. Will post ASAP.

I wouldn't even attempt to put medicine on Dennis. The injured one, whoever she is, won't let me get too near her, so that's out. Anyhow, if i put ointment on one of them, I'd also have to put an E-collar on them to keep them from licking it off. Now how silly would that look? :-)

ROFL, can you imagine the looks she'd get from all the other raccoons?

starlight,

Those were do very perceptive observations. I had been wondering why Trouble had such a wide bald area where his cut was and more recently why Juliet (or Blondie) also had a large bald area around her wound. Of course, the pull the hair out themselves to make it easier to keep the wound clean, just as doctors and surgeons always shave the area where they are going to be making an incision.

I didn't realize that they pulled the 'scab' off, but that also makes sense. Doctors do something called debridement for burn victims. I'm told it is dreadfully painful but quite essential. They remove the dead skin from the burned area daily - which essentially means removing the scab. It seems counter intuitive since we tend to think of scab as a sign of healing and a means to end the bleeding, but with a serious wound such as a 3rd degree burn, doctors say the dead skin, if left on the wound, will only provide a path for pathogens to gain entry. Removal of the layer of dried, dead skin removes the layer that would host infection.

Isn't it interesting the similarity between what doctors have learned to do through years of research, extensive training, and trial and error and what animals are just born knowing!

I do think the wound is healing now, but will remember about Soferdig if it doesn't. I've spoken with him a time or two, esp when the pit bull went after Widget that time. Anyhow, Sofer seems very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to talk to, so I'll remember that for future reference.

Isn't that the truth, KyWoods! I know whenever Sassy (my prior dog) had to wear one she always seemed more worried about what the other animals would think than about anything else.

With respect to the dog pic, thank you Marylyn, doccat, KyWood, goldfinch, Ruth, and anyone else I might have inadvertently (and most unintentionally) have missed. Thank you all very much for the wonderful compliments. KyWoods, I love your idea, but, lol, can't ever seem to keep up with my current activities. I'm hoping to retire to art, but am having one heck of a time finding enough hours in the day to get started. Ruth, you hit that nail right on the head. I could only find time to paint for raccoon food if I cut out the hour a day I spend with them and the hour or so I spend writing several days per week.

ROTF, doccat. I can just see a group of angry readers suffering withdrawals coming around the corner and heading for my house. Yikes!

Marylyn,

Sorry it has taken me SO long to get back to this, but I just loved your comment about the 'tuzting' on the microphone thing. That was so cute. It made me laugh and helped me feel better about the whole thing. I had been joking around that day. Most of the time I try to be careful to choose my words carefully and filter everything - to death, but every now and then when I feel comfortable with people as I do with you guys, I start to let the barriers down and just say whatever comes to mind. Sometimes that gets me in trouble as people don't always understand that I'm kidding.

Anyhow, that was the perfect response. Thanks.

Terese,

About kids and work, yes, but actually adults get sloppy and lazy, too. It's just that we have managers, mortgages, and sometimes spouses to remind us to shape up!

Glad that you are back. So sorry to hear about your purse. You are handling it better than I would. I'd be frantic. From your reaction I'm taking it that you at least feel that your things are safe. That would be my biggest concern. Still, we tend to keep our whole lives in our purses. It's just devastating to be without them. Hope you are able to resolve the issue without too much stress.

Thanks RE the photos. Glad you enjoyed them.

tetleytuna,

Yes, as you can see the fruit slices and golf balls were quite a hit, esp those golf balls. I still have a note to tell you guys the story about Dennis and those golf balls - soon. Glad that you enjoyed the pics. I still have quite a few more to post.

I need to clean the pool again. Then I'll put another ball in it. I'm going to keep some back for when the new kits arrive though. I think they will have a blast with them.

Thank you!

Ruth,

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the pic of Dennis snoozing on the side of the pool. That's the kind of thing you can't adequately describe, have to see the picture.

Oh, guess what? I have an appointment for next Monday the 14 to start my shots. Cross your fingers that nothing goes wrong. I have an apt with an infectious disease and travel specialist. On the phone they said they do the pre-exposure shots. I just hope they don't ask a question I can't answer, like the name of the person (rehabber) with whom I'll be working. I'll have to make up a name and hope I get my shots before they find out that person doesn't exist, like in "My Cousin Vinny" every time they call to say they have a problem with the name I'll change it slightly.

Terese,

Thanks RE the pic. As for working together. Tonight Heidi showed up after HRH and Cissy left (again). Trouble made it his job to keep Fraidy (or whoever that is) from eating (much). Even though he had a dish, every time she found a dish, he'd go over and take hers. I tossed her toast pieces and fruit slices back by the fence where she ended up most of the night (sound familiar). I didn't get mad with him this time though as now I understand that he is just playing his role in the family in keeping the others at bay.

Unlike most of the others, they don't drive Fraidy out of the yard completely, and many times they even let her eat - Oh, come to think of it, they leave her alone when she eats beside me and with the chair in between her and them - like old times. Tonight I put Dennis' dish on the wrong side of the chair. will have to fix that.

Tonight, the minute that Heidi left, Trouble left, too. Dennis stayed behind for a minute of so. Then he heard a fighting sound from the forest and which point he quickly rushed into the forest.

nanny,

'all tuckered out' is quite a fitting description. Like any teenager, I'm sure if someone offered him some sports entertainment or a video game, he would perk right up again.

I think some theories will need to be altered regardless since from everything I've read raccoons are supposed to be loners. I've not seen anything that would indicate they continue to live together in a family unit of any kind, but that sure is what I'm seeing. For the longest time I had noticed how oddly coincidental it was that they always seemed to either show up or not as a unit. When Heidi arrived, they all arrived. When no one was there, well, no one showed up. If they really were loners who just happened to bump into each other at the buffet, you would expect them to arrive at varying and unrelated times - at least some of the time.

starlight,

Thanks! It was a once in a life time shot. I don't think I got enough resolution to blow it up unfortunately. I was so afraid of missing the shot, i didn't take time to adjust the camera, zoom, etc for fear of ending up without the picture. Otherwise, it would have made a cute poster.

Good ideas. I like the sound of that. Luckily the threads are like a journal complete with dates, data, etc. so they will prove very helpful.

This message was edited Apr 8, 2008 1:07 AM

Thanks, doccat!

Thanks, Terese! Love those photo titles, esp the one about "why do I have to do it?" I can hear the whiny voice already with that one.

goldfinch -- It really does cause me to look at them in a whole new light. I think as I spend more time in their world I start to become more open and receptive to what they are doing. It's as if i start to leave a lot of the preconceived ideas behind when i enter there.

Terese - ROTFLMHO at that one! I think Heidi is far too experienced and too good a Mom to leave Dennis in charge of infants, but that did give me a good laugh, esp as the sentence started out sounding so serious.

Debbie - OH, That is TOO cute! That's a good one! And I love the news bulletin, too.

Cheryl, congratulations! I'm so glad you found a way to get started on the pre-exposure vaccinations. As others have said, they're just a series of shots in the arm, nothing to fret about; some people find the surrounding muscles sore for a day or two, others have no ill effects. If they ask what rehabber you're working with, just spin a tale about how you've wanted to go into rehabbing for some time, but your particular interest is in working with raccoons. Since you know the shots are required for working with raccoons, you figured you'd start with that. Ask them where you can have your titer tested while you're there, so you don't have to start researching from scratch when the time comes. Every few years, it's recommended to have your blood tested to make sure your antibody level is still good. If it falls too low, they schedule a booster shot. I knew one officer who had his initial series of vaccines, had the periodic titers done, and never needed a booster in over 18 years; so the vaccines really are quite effective.

Tetleytuna, thanks for your interest in working with rehabbers. It's incredibly rewarding, and fun - though often messy. The rehabbers are always looking for help, especially in spring when all species are having babies. You could start by calling local animal shelters or animal control agencies; ask if they work with any wildlife rehabbers in the area, and if they can refer you to someone with whom you might volunteer. The rehabber could tell you about licensing requirements in your state; and in any case, in most states you need to apprentice with a licensed rehabber before applying for your own license. If there are any wildlife sanctuaries in the area, they could also be a great resource. Failing the above, try contacting your state's equivalent of the fish & game department, usually the agency that issues hunting licenses (how ironic is that?). This is usually the agency that licenses and inspects rehabbers, and they should be able to refer you to some rehabbers in your area. If none of the above work, let me know and I'll try to come up with other ideas.

Ruth,

Thanks. and thanks for keeping after me. ;-)
After all of the trouble I've had find a place to start, I'm afraid something will go wrong. Have to wait until I actually get the 1st shot to start celebrating for real, but am very happy to be getting started - finally. I will feel much better about things when I have had the shots. Thanks for all of the good info.


Tetleytuna -- You might also check with area veterinarians. In my area, veterinary hospitals take wounded wildlife (brought in by residents) and pass them off to the appropriate rehabbers. As a result, they usually have the number(s) of some good rehabbers in the area. When Heidi came in to the yard, I called my vet and asked to speak to someone about raccoons (expecting someone in the office). They transferred my call to Keeper of the Wild, a raccoon rehabber in SC. When I found the sick hummer after hours, I called a 24hr vet hospital in my area and asked for rehabber contact info. They were able to give me several numbers. Once i got in touch with some rehabbers, they were able to give me numbers for others. I mention this because I found it particularly easy to talk to the folks at my vets office (since I already know them) and at the 24hr emergency vet hospital since we go there, too, for emergencies.

tetleytuna,

Just wanted to add that I don't know of a source for info on raccoons other than Ruth, Keeper of the Wild, and Google. The latter, of course, as with all web input must be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that little is known about these adorable but much maligned (generally due to rabies) creatures of the night other than the body of knowledge gathered by the wildlife rehabbers who have worked with them over the years. Their information seems to be excellent, but for obvious reasons may not be complete with respect to family interactions and some aspects of how raccoon family's live in the wild.

This - information about raccoons and about how to become a rehabber - is Ruth's area of expertise. My knowledge of the subject is limited to what I've learned from Heidi and the gang, the information I've gotten from Ruth during this time, and what little I've been able to find on the web and/or in books, the latter (both web and books) being quite limited.

I'm happy, both for you and the critters, to hear of your interest in getting involved in wildlife rehab. It sounds like a very rewarding vocation. That my actions in writing the Heidi story (which, ironically, began as a desperate cry for help to remove the raccoons from my yard) and the path I've all but stumbled down in my interactions with the raccoons over the past few years may have played some minor part in helping you to realize your passion for the subject is quite humbling and an honor. I feel it is more as though we are sort of finding our way together on this intersecting path.

(LOL to note that the google spell checker changed my work above to capitalize 'Google'.)

tuzt, tuzt, tuzt : D

This was one of those evenings when I would have paid almost anything for that outdoor video camera setup.

Each year it seems one male raccoon is destined to be both to steal my heart and to cause all manner of mayhem. Trouble in 06, Dennis in 07, and I'm sure there will be an 08 bad boy, as well. Dennis, of course, is still growing up, still on his way to becoming an adult male. Lately, there has been a new amusing and somewhat worrisome wrinkle in his development.

We - the raccoons, Widget, and I - have a routine and an understanding as established by Heidi and handed down to countless generations. This routine has been an important part of how well we all manage to share the yard and get along together - until 2 days ago, at least. It works, or at least it did work, like this. Anytime the dog (Widget) goes into the yard, the raccoons run to the top of the fence and/or the trees along the forest edge where they wait either for the dog to leave or me to come for him before returning to the yard.

We do this every night, night after night, after night. Dog goes out to do his thing, sees and hears raccoons at the back of the yard, and gives chase. Raccoons run to the fence to avoid the annoying dog and wait there to be 'invited' to dinner. If the dog doesn't return in a reasonable time, i go out and retrieve him. Even seeing me, raccoons remain on the fence while I gather the dog, escort him to the house, and return with their dinner. Only then do they come back down the fence. Simple yet effective. Nobody gets hurt. Everybody eats. Until...

It started yesterday. Widget had the raccoons all "tree'd" on the back fence. I went out as usual to get him. Only this time, instead of waiting on the fence as per our agreement, upon hearing/seeing me come out Dennis jumped down from the fence some ways down from where Widget stood and basically did that end run around the dog thing. I thought I saw the raccoon run across the lawn but was more concerned at that moment with the dog. Seeing Widget heading back for the house, I thought he was coming in (as opposed to chasing Dennis). I called Widget a few times, and when he appeared at the door I opened it wide to invite him in. I didn't even see the furry, black, ninja figure sneaking up along the side of the house, waiting between house and shrub right at the hinge side of the door and apparently on his way into the house!

I guess it's lucky that Widget did see Dennis standing there about to enter the house - hard to say really as this was one of those rock and a hard place moments. Dennis was absolutely determined to enter the house, and Widget was equally determined that "not in my house, you don't". Widget, who was standing at the threshold lunged at Dennis just as I quickly shoved the door shut to keep Dennis out. Dennis stood his ground, feet firmly planted in place, head and upper body bending away from Widgets advance in a manner not unlike some playing that party game, limbo is it. Suddenly, I found myself in one heck of a predicament as I was completely helpless to resolve the dispute. Every time I cracked the door to attempt to intercede and/or get Widget inside, Dennis made a dash for the opening causing me to shove the door closed again and prompting Widget to attack him again. I was quite terrified that Widget would get hurt. I'm astonished that he wasn't. Yet I was powerless to get between them without letting Dennis into the house! And worse, my every attempt to do so only increased the dispute between them by tempting Dennis to try to enter and causing Widget to feel he had to stop him. Whew! What followed was a difficult few minutes during which crazy but determined little Widget kept nipping at Dennis' side in a series of mock attacks (no actual bites given, thankfully) and like a prize fighter on the ropes Dennis kept bending his head and upper body away from Widget's advances. Finally, somehow, I managed to slip through the door to grab Widget - probably during the time when he was launching back to back 'blows' at Dennis which at least kept Dennis from entering the door and gave me an opportunity to exit.

Watching that scene play out, I was absolutely amazed that Dennis didn't harm Widget, didn't strike back in any way. From what I know about raccoons (and I stress that most of this is based on observations to date, so take it accordingly) I gather that Dennis didn't feel the need to fight back because (1) he didn't feel threatened and (2) at all times he had an avenue for escape as he could easily have turned and run back between the shrubs and away. I do, however, recognize this incident as predictive of possible trouble to come and of the need to make some changes to avoid a replay of the incident or worse. After that, for the rest of that night and since, I have gone out with Widget so as not to leave him alone should Dennis show up. Unfortunately, just being with Widget is not sufficient to keep them out of trouble...

DO you think Dennis was "playing" ? Trying to see what he could get away with?

Honestly, with their intelligence, he knows the treats come from the house.

Don't mean to chuckle... but that would have been something to watch.

I'm sure it was terrifying, not knowing what Dennis is capable of .. or if in fact he'd lash out at Widget, if Widget attacked.

But with Dennis doing his "Bobbin' an weaving" thing .... that just had to be comical.

Tonight I packed all of the food for the raccoons, put a couple of mm's in my pocket (in plastic bag), and then went out with Widget to do his thing intending to feed the raccoons as soon as I had escorted Widget safely back into the house. Things started off just as planned. Widget took care of his chores and then just as I was about to wisk him away to the house, he took off for the back fence. Knowing as I did what this meant, I called to him firmly to "come!".

It was at that moment, that Dennis, who otherwise never pays any attention to anything I say (to him), charged down the fence as though he thought 'Widget, come!' was my way of summoning him to dinner. In fact, he jumped right down the fence beside Widget, and then for a moment the two ran side by side, Dennis loping toward me and Widget running beside this unruly intruder. And then it happened, happened so blindingly fast that I'm at a loss to tell you exactly HOW it happened, but...

Somehow as the two 'galloping' animals passed through the narrow area between the pool and the straw bale we used to call the sandbox (because the 07 kits loved to play there when they were itty-bitty tykes), well, somehow, em, how to say this, Dennis came running through the gap and Widget somehow fell into the pool! Now I'm not quite sure HOW Dennis managed to make Widget fall into that pool of dirty water, whether he exerted that all too familiar raccoon body body slam at the last minute or what, but the one thing I do know is Widget would never, ever have gone into the water of his own accord. He detests water in anything larger than a drinking bowl. He won't even go outside when there is dew on the grass for fear of getting his dainty, little feet wet, and to this day he hides in another part of the house every time I take a bath or shower! Yet, as Dennis came galloping up to my feet, my poor little Maltese stood there in the pool, dazed and dripping and looking at me like even he didn't know quite what had happened. And he was a pitiful site! From the look on Widget's face, I'm pretty sure that even he doesn't know HOW he ended up in the pool. Even when I called to him, poor soaking wet thing just stood there, motionless and dazed, wet strands of floor length hair dripping around him, his pride hurt almost beyond repair. I had to walk over to the pool and pick the poor drenched puppy up and carry him to the house - with Dennis walking along at my side the whole way, and in his usual charming manner looking as though he, too, had no clue what had prompted the dog to go for a late night swim.

From now on I'll have to take Widget out on a leash I guess. If that fails, I guess we'll have to go out to the street for these matters. But, Folks, it was one hilarious thing to see the raccoon put the dog into the 'drink'. Except for his horribly, awfully wounded pride, Widget was unharmed, BTW - although that bath I gave him Monday night has been rendered useless. While I didn't see what exactly Dennis did to somehow get Widget into the water, I do know that he didn't bite, scratch, or otherwise attack Widget. I'm sure I would have seen that. There were no snarls, no growls, no signs at all of an argument. Likewise, no cries of pain, no scratch or bite marks, no blood. I really do think that Dennis dealt with him the same way that HRH and now Trouble deal with everybody, at least, that is, memebers of the family - just quietly walk up and shove them out of the way with your body. Works like a charm. Poor Widget did not know who he was dealing with; he was SO out smarted. He expected the raccoon to fight 'fair'.

After I took Widget in and dried him off, I went out and fed the raccoons. Dennis and Cissy were there. I didn't stay, mostly because I wanted to tell you what happened (and I have to turn in early to get to work way early - 7AM today and tomorrow, ick). When I came back in I spent some time playing fetch with Widget and his toys. I think he's pretty much on the mend now - except in his dreams tonight he may end up replaying his day at the pool.

Omg, how scary that must've been. Dennis probably figured that if the dog can come in, he should be able to as well. That boy has definitely got an attitude! I'm glad little Widget is safe, and I hope this doesn't happen again.

Oh Cheryl, I have tears pouring down my face....I don't mean to say this is "funny" but it is hysterical....your wording is so good I can just see all of this. I was laughing so hard I sort of made that snorting sound and my son came down to ask if I was OK.

I tried to explain to him the situation, and he says "and you block my sites from the internet!"

Glad Widget is OK, I think Dennis did a Wrestlemania Move somehow on poor Widget. It sounds like that big brother look and move of "what? What did I do?"

Debbie

Terese,

If you thought that was funny, I suspect you are really laughing now! I really think Dennis wanted to come inside and look around - and get some treats. Raccoons have a lot of curiosity about everything around them and this seems especially true of the young males. Since Dennis isn't afraid of me, I think he wanted to see what's in here, look around, touch and feel everything, pulls stuff off the walls, climb on the curtains, that kind of thing - and check out the food stash.

I also think that he has come to the conclusion that Widget is all bark and really not a threat to him. I kind of think he 'laughs at' Widget. Maybe that's what you mean by playing. I also think Dennis sort of thinks of himself as partly wild (when he wants to be) and partly my pet (also when he wants to be), so it's like he has as much business following me inside as Widget, and it's as though he and Widget are 'brothers' in an odd sort of way. Even when he put Widget in the pool, I see that as the kind of thing the male raccoons (family members) do to each other in a sort of playful, "ha ha, I won" sort of way.

Raccoons ARE smart. That's for sure!

I know you don't feel like it, esp. this late, but if it were me, I'd give Widget a quick sudsing again...raccoons probably don't know not to pee in the pool, lol.

Debbie, ROTFLMBO!!!

When I got to this, I just had to laugh!

No, it is the fact that I am reading about a dog and a raccoon and one ends up in the pool...and the raccoon did it on purpose...and I tried to explain to him the Heidi story

Of course I have told him "never ever touch wild animals" etc. He is 15....and just teasing me. He said I was laughing so hard and making a racket he thought I was gonna fall off the chair.

KyWoods,

Oh, man, I gave Widget an emergency 2:30AM bath early Tues AM for a different reason so am not looking forward to doing that again now, but I guess you are right. I really don't think they pee in the pool because they drink that water. From everything that I have seen, I think they do their business somewhere other than my yard - thankfully. But it probably would be a good idea to wash Widget - again, esp since, now that I think about it, he sleeps in MY bed!

Widget is ok, thought. He really, really wasn't hurt - just his pride, and I think he needed to get a reality check about dealing with the raccoons. In fact, I think maybe Dennis did him a favor by letting him know who is and isn't the boss and doing so in a manner that didn't really hurt him.

Debbie,

Oh, I see. Well, either way, it was hilarious! Don't you just hate it when the stuff you tell him/them not to do comes full circle and back to you? LOL.

LOL, Debbie! So now is your son gonna block DG??

Did you tell him it's ok to read about other people doing stupid stuff as long as you don't do it yourself? Well, never mind, that might come back to bite you, too. Parenting is tough. I think this is the part where you are supposed to give up and say the thing you always swore you wouldn't say to your kids, "Do as I say, not as I do". (kidding, of course)