[Rapunzel]

I had to go and get stitches in both arms this morning from being attacked by my guanaco. How's that for an explanation for scars? It honestly did happen though.

I'm thinking this will make pretty cool scars that I won't mind explaining, since it is kind-of an interesting story. I wrestled the guanaco and lost. The doctor told me that the secret for not getting scars, though, is to keep sunscreen on for at least a year. I asked if sun exposure darkens scars, and he said yes. Just wondered if anyone had heard that before, and if you hadn't, and you don't want scars, use your sunscreen!

My wrist really hurts. That was a deep bite and I feel it way below the skin level. I think the muscle or bone must be bruised. I might take some real pain killers tonight.

Meanwhile, I've got both arms (one wrist, cone a little higher up) bandaged up and it looks like the stereotypical post-wrist-cutting image. That might not be too fun to explain. And T is really not going to like this. Obviously the guanaco is not an appropriate pet, especially in the suburbs with children around. He could kill someone. I am glad that it was me who got hurt, and not one of my kids or one of their friends. But I also feel like it is my fault for not getting the guanaco gelded by now, or finding him another home. He was cute as a baby, and a year ago the kids were walking him and training him to lead. Up until today I've been able to get him to back down by just not showing fear or intimidation. But I lost the fight today. It should not have gone this far. Someone could have been hurt. My daughter (now 15) has been taking a water gun in that pen to keep him away, but that's not going to be enough. I hope the zoo will take this guy.

[Christina86]

Ouch! (((((((((((Rap)))))))))))))

[Fuzzybear]

(((((((((((((((((( Rap ))))))))))))))))

ouch

[lenjan]

((((Rap)))) I'd never heard of the sunscreen idea before.

Sorry you're injured! I hope you heal quickly.

Love, Candy

[bipolar_bear]

I have never heard of using sunscreen but think it is worth trying. It is too bad the circumstances that you heard about it. It sounds like he really got a good bite in.

I am sorry that your pet guanaco has gotten to be so big and strong. I am glad that you were not hurt any more than you were. I do hope you can find a home for him soon as he has now won a battle. Be careful around him. Take care.

BB

[DePressMe]

Okay, so what is a guanaco?

[Rapunzel]

Guanacos are related to llamas. In fact, mine is half llama, but he seems to think he's all guanaco. Guanacos have a nastier temperment and sharper teeth and more acidic spit. Here's a link: http://www.llama.co.uk/guanaco.htm Mine looks just like these pictures. Apparently the UK requires a dangerous wild animal licence in order to keep guanacos, but we don't have that requirement here. He was adorable as a baby, and a year ago the kids were able to take him for walks. I wish he could have stayed a baby. We really liked him. His baby pics are on my website http://ddiamond.net especially in the archives from April 2004, I believe, when he was born.

It was a couple of really deep bites, and my right wrist really hurts. I'm trying to learn to be left-handed.

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Love,
Rap

[DePressMe]

Interesting--I was guessing it to be some type of big lizard.

[SeptemberMorn]

LOL You and me both, De!

Wendy, I'm so sorry that bad boy hurt you! You sure you don't have an infection in those bites??

Blowing kisses at your wrist. Wouldn't want to touch it and making it hurt more.

[Rapunzel]

Well, I traded in the big purple bandage wraps for ordinary large band-aids, and I can use my hand pretty normally now. It still hurts to lift with it, but it will be okay. Apparently this is not normal guanaco behavior, but most likely "Abberant Behavior Syndrome," also known as "Berserk Male Syndrome." It's related to being imprinted to humans and not recognizing that we are a different species. I'm wondering if an antipsychotic medication would help him.