Graham Denby: Tracking down a rat!

Jan 13 2010 by Graham Denby

AS TV was so riveting over Christmas and the New Year (not) I ended up watching a programme about a British racing team breaking the land speed record for a steam car at Edwards Air Force base in America.

It’s now up to 140mph (Oooh). I think the car was called Fred Dibnah One!

Now, thinking back a good bit further I do remember Esso telling us to put a ‘Tiger in the Tank’ so what chance do I have with my picture as evidence of having a ‘Dog on the Distributor’?’

OK, I know that was a rather tenuous link, but we got there in the end. The picture shows our dog Bom, peering over my shoulder as I carry out some essential running repairs.

Essential because some rodent, in this case a rat, had made a little nest along the top of the engine and had chewed the spark plug lead wires and terminals, presumably for bedding!

This is an annual event as the local wildlife make themselves at home in the car and pick-up’s engine compartments for shelter from the elements, particularly comfy I imagine after we return with the engine and compartment nice and warm.

Shelter from the elements maybe, but shelter from the Bom dog, no. When she starts going a bit bonkers, walking around the front of the vehicle up on her hind legs and jumping on and off the bonnet, we take this as a sign...and she’s never wrong, folks.