Happy dog means I get to relax too.

In an exciting change of events, the fleas have been thwarted before the battle ever set in!

This week, sources close to the battlefield stated that preemptive efforts had been taken to stop any influx of flea or flea-like creatures onto the body of the dog.  Shortly after, there were reports of immediate and complete casualties from the flea horde.

This year's horde is actually much smaller than hordes in the past.  Some sources indicate that the wetter weather has created a more robust 'home' environment for the hoppers out in the fields and forests where they belong.  On the bodies of rats and squirrels and in older mobile home's carpets - where they belong.

While happy to see that this round has been won outright, the human dog owner involved in the battle elicited a more long viewed approach.  "They're not there today, and for that I'm grateful.  Should an opportunity arise for them to strike again, tomorrow - that's what concerns me," he said.  "These bastards are relentless."

While exact information has yet to be released, it is believed that a multi-faceted approach of chemical warfare, grounds keeping and neighbor lawn baiting are all to thank for the shift in flea activity during the progressing mild summer of lucky '13.