While recently sitting outside enjoying one of the last warm summer evenings, phew, it hit. the unmistakable odor of eau de skunk. It was so pungent, the only option was to head indoors and close the windows.

Moments later, the phone rings. It's my neighbor, frantically screaming: "Bear was sprayed by a skunk, what should I do? Does tommato juice really work? I've heard people say they've used Massengil Douche, what do you think?"

What am I thinking? Thank goodness it didn't happen to one of my four dogs. I, however, dutifully pass along some useful information: Tomato juice only minimally removes odor and turns everything including your pet red. As for the Massegil solution, it makes the victim smell even stronger. What does work is a home-made remedy that's been around for ages. Bathe the pet with a mixture of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and one teaspoon liquid dish detergent.

Here is some information offered by Linda Gelb, a wildlike rehabilitator. Skunks are nocturnal animals who are out at night durinal all seasons of the year. Their mating season is from late February until early March. They eat garden pests and catch mice much better than most cats. Skunks have extremely poor eyesight and startle easily. When startled, their defense mechanism kicks in and the intruder is sprayed. Linda says if you encounter a skunk, move very slowly. People can walk up to a skunk slowly, not startle them, and never get sprayed. It's fast, rushing movements that puts them of the defense.

Recommendations: Go shopping, stock up on the three ingredients mentioned above, and put the skunk remedy in a place you'll remember if ever needed. To avoid contact by your pet with night-dwelling skunks, as well as for other safety concerns, keep your pets in at night. Meanwhile skunks can go about undisturbed, filling their niche in nature by doing what they do best, catching mice and other garden pests, and making the night just a little more exciting because they're out there.