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Joel Katz

Morning DJ Arrives to Work to Find a Skunk in Distress

Author Joel Katz

You may have heard us talking about this; the most unbelievable thing happened to me early this morning.

I usually get to the station by 4:15, I was running about 20 minutes late. I pulled into the empty parking lot and raced into my normal spot right in front of the entrance. I grabbed my hot beverage from the cup holder, hopped out, and hurriedly began a slow jog toward the building. I halted my trot so quickly that a bit of my tea continued its forward progression and spilled onto the pavement. I saw something I’d never seen, and that something was between me and the studio door.

Skunk in Distress

It was an animal that I identified immediately, a SKUNK! You’re probably thinking, “Are you saying you’ve never seen a skunk?” Yes, I have seen skunks before, in fact, I’ve seen this particular skunk before. She (I named her Brenda) is often scampering about when I arrive each morning. I also see the occasional raccoon, also named Brenda, and a groundhog I named Brenda. We also have several cats that we feed daily.

However, this morning was quite different. Brenda the skunk was standing directly in my path leading to the entrance, and what’s worse, she wasn’t moving. Malodorous Brenny had a clear plastic Wawa cup stuck over her head. She must have been tasting the remnants of someone’s strawberry banana cream smoothie. THIS IS TERRIBLE! Brenda may suffocate! And I NEED TO GET TO WORK!!! So, I had to make a decision which I quickly narrowed down to three options:

  1. Try to race by without getting sprayed
  2. Try to scare her away
  3. Risk getting zapped by her stink while attempting to save her.

You’ll be happy to know I chose “C.”

How to Save a Skunk

Now, how was I going to do that? At first, I grabbed a stick. I didn’t think it was long enough as I envisioned a possible tomato juice bath after getting nailed with a stream of Brenda’s stanky spritz. I grabbed a stone about the size of my fist, and crept slowly towards the beast to get as close as I possibly could. Next, like David in the bible, I slung the stone hitting Brenda right in her cupped skull! First try! The cup broke free as I ran for my life in the opposite direction.

If this were a carnival game I’d surely be walking away with the grand prize! Brenda stood dazed for a few seconds and then slowly wandered off onto the grass. I’m not going to say I saved her life, however, that was a wonderful way to start my day, I highly recommend it!

Be Kind to Animals Week Spawns 3 Heartwarming Cat Stories

I don’t have any pets right now, although I have had dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, fish, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more over the course of my life. I think dogs are my favorite, but I also love cats and am not interested in debating which is “better.” I am, however, as everyone should be, an advocate for the proper and kind treatment of all animals.

Last week American Humane celebrated the oldest commemorative week in United States history. It was the 108th “Be Kind to Animals Week.” Animal lovers of all ages get together on this day to help make the world a better place for animals.

American Humane CEO Robin Ganzert said, “The commemorative week provides people with the opportunity to contemplate the bigger picture of how their actions impact all the amazing creatures we share with our planet. And hopefully this week and every week we can celebrate kindness, compassion, and love for our animal friends.” To help make a difference American Humane asks people to take a pledge to improve the lives of animals year-round.To take the pledge go to AmericanHuman.org/BeKind.

Coincidentally, there were a few heartwarming stories that we learned about during “Be Kind to Animals Week.” Here are three that will make you smile.

  • Missing Cat Found Close to Home After 10 Years

    United Press International reported a Charleston, South Carolina woman was reunited with her missing cat after 10 years. Animal Control Officers picked up Mr. Mojo and took him to the Charleston Animal Society where they scanned his microchip. They then called his owner, Erin, for a reunion. Mr. Mojo was found two miles from his home. Erin cried during the reunion. Mr. Mojo seemed happy but didn’t cry.

  • Mechanic Adopts Kitten He Rescued from Car Engine

    A Raleigh, North Carolina mechanic rescued a six-week-old kitten from a car’s engine. As reported by CBS17.com  Chris Hayes, whose elderly cat passed away a few months ago, said that he fell in love with the gray kitten so he adopted her and named her “Charcoal.”

    Chris’ wife Stephanie said she “really wanted to find a gray kitten like the one she had as a girl.” While Chris was working to free the kitten, he said he kept thinking, “Wouldn’t it be cool if this is a gray kitten?”

  • Cat Mailed from China to Canada

    Newsweek Magazine reported that a cat was recently mailed from China to Canada. Workers at a mail center in British Columbia found the cat. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says, “The officers noticed that the box was damaged and had a sizable hole in its side. When the CBSA officer looked into the box, the officer saw a pair of eyes staring back which blinked.” The cat, which was named Precious by its rescuers, was taken to a veterinarian where she was treated and then placed in a foster home. Precious loves belly rubs and is going to be fine.

    If you’re considering adopting a furry friend please visit our Kitty Corner.

Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.

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