Yup, skunky dogs can really throw a wrench into plans.

The skunks usually start coming through our neighborhood this time of year, digging grubs and robbing gardens.

Most summers I'd be able to smell them at dusk and be sure to get my dog inside.

When I was 9 months pregnant with Ryan and waiting to go into labor anytime, my dog was skunked at 11 o'clock at night. I only had my elderly neighbors across the street to call on for help. What a mess!

A.