Ben by Daniel Shelton for March 09, 2021

Winter before last I saw the world’s teensiest mouse scurry across my livingroom carpet. I easily caught it and admired how it was possibly the cutest thing I’d ever seen or ever would. But I figured it had come indoors from the snowy outside, so I didn’t hesitate to put it out to return to the arms of its little mousey family.

Two days later I was horrified to see its frozen little corpse in the snow! I’M A MURDERER!! Later I learned that our multi-unit building had an infestation which the exterminators have since taken care of. But I still feel so bad for the little critter. THE GUILT! THE GUILT!

4 cats here, the only mice we’ve ever seen in the house are cat toys

Considering how they treat the cat toys, its best for the mice if they stay outside

For better of worse our cats don’t go after four footed critters. Only once or twice have a found a dead mouse, neither they nor the dogs ever went after squirrels or bunnies. This cat, unfortunately, is murder on four feet for butterflies.

IIRC cats must be taught that mice are prey.

Do you have a neighbor with a pet snake?

Unfortunately, mice are not like Mickey Mouse!

Back when our family homestead was new, there were open fields behind it. The basement was prone to flooding. so when we had to dry it out, we opened the basemnt windows. The field mice that came to visit were so cute, big Mickey Mouse ears. I was so glad they never stayed long, or did any damage.

Do the neighbors have snakes? They’ll gladly give it a new home.

I think I’d let Max take his turn at it. It might let it know it’s not welcome here.

Find a pet owner’s board on FB or other social media. There are lots of pet owners looking for mice to keep their snakes, uh, company.

Today’s “Bliss” cartoon (https://www.gocomics.com/bliss/2021/03/09) has Ben’s solution.