Please Watch Your Pets

July 24th, 2008 by A.D. Odom | Filed under Altadena/Pasadena. | 80 views

I feel a need to say something as this week turned into a week of devastating news as it relates to furry little four-legged friends we call extensions of our family. This week I heard about dogs and cats that have been missing since the 4th of July. Many have not been seen since. The worried family members, or owners, are both struck with sadness and grief to even think about the possibilities and they are holding out hope their little guys and gals will return soon.

Next, I heard a story of a little one taken by a coyote, in front of the family – including small children – while the family stood in their front yard.

I heard several similar stories that were equally devastating, often witnessed, and one individual is still having difficulty recovering from the sight of her small, lovable little guy in the mouth of a coyote and the sound of his whimpering as the coyote took off with her baby.

I am not trying to be dramatic about this. It is my hope that while we live in these beautiful places filled with all of the wonders of nature we stop, remember, and realize we occupy these spaces with wild animals, venturing into our neighborhoods, looking for food, our garbage, and deer. Our little pets are easy prey because they are not used to living in the wild, do not have to forage for food, and for them we are their shelter and protection.

Having said that, do not allow your pet to walk a trail without a lead. While your pet is with you, he or she has some protection. Once your pet ventures from you, a coyote or coyotes will find a way to separate them further or will run in for the grab. I have heard stories of coyote packs bumping and spinning large dogs in order to wear them down before actually attacking the dog.

I also heard the story of a coyote dropping a pet after it was attacked by the owner. The vet bills, however, were out of this world and the poor little guy suffered through many surgeries and infections before finally becoming the healthy and happy little camper he is today.

Please be aware of your surroundings. If you have your pet in the front yard early in the morning or evening, be watchful for their benefit. Too many stories have been told of coyote running out of bushes, shrubs, hedges, etc., and snatching the family pet. Also note, it is not uncommon for coyote to occupy the crawl spaces under homes. Check your house and make sure all areas leading under your home are blocked. Females love these areas for raising their own pups.

If you have a fence in your back yard, as I do, I still would not trust leaving your pet in the yard by itself. Be watchful. Even with a fence, a coyote may have found a way into your yard or, as was the case some time ago, a mountain lion will not only clear your fence, the large cat will also take your pet right over that same fence.

Living in the foothills, it is not uncommon to see bears, coyote, bobcat and mountain lions. In fact, wherever you see deer, expect to see a few of the above following closely behind.

And, while on the subject of predators, wild animals and whatever else out there that could harm your pet, let’s talk rattlesnakes. Watch out for wood piles in your yard or anywhere a snake can go to cool itself in shade. They’re typically fond of wood piles and a nosey little pet may hear the rattle and will go investigate. Not good, particularly if he or she is bitten by the snake.

Bottom line, with so many coyote attacks recently, it’s a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your pets. Coyote, mountain lion, bobcats, etc. don’t know these animals are your friends, pets, family members, etc. All they know is they’re hungry and the little one looks like food to them, easy food.

The two stories that broke my heart this week involved a woman who saw her dog taken while walking a trail and a man who saw his dog taken while in his yard. The last image he saw was his little guy looking to him for help while in the mouth of the coyote. That broke my heart.