Due to health problems, our daughter moved back in with us three years ago. Since then, she has lost one loved cat to diabetes. Early two days ago, both her cats were accidently let out by a young man who rents a room with us. Unfortunately, we've had coyotes hanging around quite close to the house. Now after two mild winters, the coyotes most likely have large litters to feed. So far the coyotes have killed two skunks and a young raven close by. They're very stealthy and now it looks like they've taken our daughter's cat, Desto. I never let our little dog out at any time without someone being right there with him. This was a tragic mistake for our daughter and her poor cat. We've all grown to love him dearly and he leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Our daughter is inconsolable.
We heard the coyotes howling just before dawn and then we heard a cat screaming. I'll never forget that horrible sound right outside our bedroom window. First thing I did was to ask my husband where the cats were. We thought they were safely inside... this is too sad to continue. Please, let this be a warning to anyone who has small pets in coyote country, and that's just about everywhere. It's just too easy for our dear ones to slip out the door, especially when you have summer visitors. We even had a sign on the door that said, "Do NOT let the cats out."
We hoped and prayed that the fur we found in the tall weeds below our bedroom window wasn't Desto... but it must have been. He never returned. We finally located the other kitty late yesterday. Bhasat, had been hiding in the space between the upstairs deck and the roof. He was terrified. He's back to his normal self this morning and already 'sharking' the doors. We're all being extremely careful to make certain he doesn't get out and that's not easy with so many people going in and out.
I just spoke to the neighbor below us who said she saw a coyote in her yard yesterday afternoon and the other neighbor to the north of us lost 5 chickens. These coyotes are getting very bold.
We just learned that another neighbor's ShiZhu went missing during the last thunder storm and that was several days ago. No doubt the thunder storm frightened the little dog away but unfortunatly with the kind of coyote activity we've had lately, it's unlikely she will return.
In the meantime, our little dog and the remaining kitty are obviously grieving as both have refused food since the loss of Modesto.
Coyotes thrive even in downtown Los Angeles. Please, keep your pets close. Even a large dog can be taken down by a pack of coyotes.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Is it too late to save the world?
I have refrained from making political statements on this blog and have kept my writing mostly light-hearted and pet related, but I can no longer ignore the big picture. After all, as indicated in my description for this site, we share this planet with our pets and all other life forms. In view of the ongoing catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, I now feel compelled to make comments regarding this disaster that affects us all, no matter where we happen to live.
Recently, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) our national radio and television network, invited listeners to submit answers to the question, “What do you feel is the most important issue facing us today… be it local, national or international?”
For me, the answer can only be the need to stop the abhorrent destruction and desecration of this glorious Mother Earth. Think about it. A friend wrote to me that he finds the saddest thing in all this is that he’s afraid that American taxpayers are going to have to pay for the clean up. To me, this argument pales if we can't survive as a species on this planet. What do governments, corporations, politics, taxes, profits, liars, cheaters, saints and sinners matter if nothing of us or other life on this planet survives and all that remains is the devastation and havoc we've created?
The oil continues to gush into the Gulf waters with no real end in sight. BP is back to trying to cap the ‘leak’, something that’s already been tried and failed. In the meantime, The National Wildlife Federation’s very conservative estimates reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead and 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. This does not include the number of mammals, (dolphins, whales, manatees, etc.) or the impact to oyster beds, shrimp harvest, or blue fin tuna. Really, the list is endless from the tiniest life forms right up to the top of the food chain. While these numbers continue to climb, the workers and volunteers who are struggling to clean up the mess are getting sick from the toxic chemicals that have been used to break up the oil slick. It wouldn’t surprise anyone to see increases in cancer and related diseases amongst these folks in the coming months and years.
We all have to share some responsibility in this. Long ago we bought into being a petroleum based global culture. If we pulled every gasoline-powered vehicle off the roads tomorrow, it would certainly help but that’s not our only use of oil. Like lead to the Romans, oil and our addiction to its many uses in the products we use every day will ultimately cost us far more in terms of our existence than any benefits we may reap.
When I got into my car yesterday, I realized I was surrounded in plastic, another petroleum based product. Even the low cost candles I grabbed when the lights went out during a recent storm are made from petroleum.
What is the alternative? I wish I had an answer… I sure wish someone would have an answer. This endless assault on the planet has to stop. I do my part. I recycle and try to limit my use products that are harmful to the environment, but… my part is so small in the face of the magnitude of what is happening worldwide. Yet, we must continue to be vigilant, do what we can as individuals to ‘stem the tide, and to have hope that it’s not too late.
I encourage everyone reading my blog to view this slideshow. Regardless of what some may think of Michael Jackson, he certainly had this right. This slide show, backed with his Earth Song is powerful stuff. I couldn't stop the tears. What have we done?!?
Mother Earth is under assault from every direction... She will survive but we may not.
Please watch and pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw4-HQeduu8
Recently, the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) our national radio and television network, invited listeners to submit answers to the question, “What do you feel is the most important issue facing us today… be it local, national or international?”
For me, the answer can only be the need to stop the abhorrent destruction and desecration of this glorious Mother Earth. Think about it. A friend wrote to me that he finds the saddest thing in all this is that he’s afraid that American taxpayers are going to have to pay for the clean up. To me, this argument pales if we can't survive as a species on this planet. What do governments, corporations, politics, taxes, profits, liars, cheaters, saints and sinners matter if nothing of us or other life on this planet survives and all that remains is the devastation and havoc we've created?
The oil continues to gush into the Gulf waters with no real end in sight. BP is back to trying to cap the ‘leak’, something that’s already been tried and failed. In the meantime, The National Wildlife Federation’s very conservative estimates reports that already more than 150 threatened or endangered sea turtles are dead and 316 sea birds, mostly brown pelicans and northern gannets, have been found dead along the Gulf Coast as a result of the spreading oil. This does not include the number of mammals, (dolphins, whales, manatees, etc.) or the impact to oyster beds, shrimp harvest, or blue fin tuna. Really, the list is endless from the tiniest life forms right up to the top of the food chain. While these numbers continue to climb, the workers and volunteers who are struggling to clean up the mess are getting sick from the toxic chemicals that have been used to break up the oil slick. It wouldn’t surprise anyone to see increases in cancer and related diseases amongst these folks in the coming months and years.
We all have to share some responsibility in this. Long ago we bought into being a petroleum based global culture. If we pulled every gasoline-powered vehicle off the roads tomorrow, it would certainly help but that’s not our only use of oil. Like lead to the Romans, oil and our addiction to its many uses in the products we use every day will ultimately cost us far more in terms of our existence than any benefits we may reap.
When I got into my car yesterday, I realized I was surrounded in plastic, another petroleum based product. Even the low cost candles I grabbed when the lights went out during a recent storm are made from petroleum.
What is the alternative? I wish I had an answer… I sure wish someone would have an answer. This endless assault on the planet has to stop. I do my part. I recycle and try to limit my use products that are harmful to the environment, but… my part is so small in the face of the magnitude of what is happening worldwide. Yet, we must continue to be vigilant, do what we can as individuals to ‘stem the tide, and to have hope that it’s not too late.
I encourage everyone reading my blog to view this slideshow. Regardless of what some may think of Michael Jackson, he certainly had this right. This slide show, backed with his Earth Song is powerful stuff. I couldn't stop the tears. What have we done?!?
Mother Earth is under assault from every direction... She will survive but we may not.
Please watch and pass it on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw4-HQeduu8
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Useful and fun places to visit on the web
In today’s blog, I’ve included several great places to help you look after your pets.
I heartily recommend subscribing to Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s, newsletter. Dr. Zeltzman is a veterinarian who always has good and practical advice for caring for your dogs and cats. Be sure to visit his site to subscribe to his great newsletter.
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Another wonderful resource for pet owners can be found at: http://www.goodnewsforpets.com/
Let’s not forget one of my favorites: www.freekibble.com Every time you click on either bow wow or meow, you are helping to feed dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in rescue shelters around the country. Your click automatically donates 10 pieces of kibble and it’s free! You only need to answer the multiple choice trivia pet question and no matter if you are right or wrong, the kibble gets donated… and it’s fun.
And for something really special to brighten your day, enjoy this wonderful video and song. I guarantee you wont go a day without humming this lovely little tune. GoD And DoG by Wendy J Francisco
I would love to hear back from you. Please feel free to leave a comment, or suggest another wonderful site that you are fond of.
I heartily recommend subscribing to Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s, newsletter. Dr. Zeltzman is a veterinarian who always has good and practical advice for caring for your dogs and cats. Be sure to visit his site to subscribe to his great newsletter.
www.drphilzeltzman.com
Another wonderful resource for pet owners can be found at: http://www.goodnewsforpets.com/
Let’s not forget one of my favorites: www.freekibble.com Every time you click on either bow wow or meow, you are helping to feed dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in rescue shelters around the country. Your click automatically donates 10 pieces of kibble and it’s free! You only need to answer the multiple choice trivia pet question and no matter if you are right or wrong, the kibble gets donated… and it’s fun.
And for something really special to brighten your day, enjoy this wonderful video and song. I guarantee you wont go a day without humming this lovely little tune. GoD And DoG by Wendy J Francisco
I would love to hear back from you. Please feel free to leave a comment, or suggest another wonderful site that you are fond of.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Strange Winter
The winter here in SE British Columbia has been unseasonably warm and we wonder what this will mean especially to wildlife.
In mid-winter we were told that two bears were wandering close by and that does not bode well as there is nothing for them to eat. Yesterday I saw evidence that more bears are coming close to human habitation.
We will be emptying what's left of our apples and some rotting squash into our compost that is some distance from our house but lies half-way between our house and our closest neighbor. Hopefully that wont become a problem for us or the bears.
Hardly a night goes by that we don't hear coyotes trying to yowl up a meal or two and our little dogs, and even our big guy, could easily become tidbit, morsel or full meal deal if we didn't keep a close eye on them.
Thankfully there seem to be a record number of deer and although they are so lovely to watch, they provide the main diet for the cougars that have frequented our property all winter long. I'd like to believe that they actually prefer venison to a canine or feline repast. However, I'm not foolish enough to think that they would pass up whatever meal presents itself.
A few nights ago as we laid ourselves down to sleep, we could hear the bugling or whistling of two bull elk calling across the lake to their cows joined by the serenading coyotes. Ah, give us the sounds of the wild over the sounds of cars honking any day. What a wonderful lullaby to fall asleep to.
So for now, this is early spring in the Kootenay mountains. We are so fortunate.
In mid-winter we were told that two bears were wandering close by and that does not bode well as there is nothing for them to eat. Yesterday I saw evidence that more bears are coming close to human habitation.
We will be emptying what's left of our apples and some rotting squash into our compost that is some distance from our house but lies half-way between our house and our closest neighbor. Hopefully that wont become a problem for us or the bears.
Hardly a night goes by that we don't hear coyotes trying to yowl up a meal or two and our little dogs, and even our big guy, could easily become tidbit, morsel or full meal deal if we didn't keep a close eye on them.
Thankfully there seem to be a record number of deer and although they are so lovely to watch, they provide the main diet for the cougars that have frequented our property all winter long. I'd like to believe that they actually prefer venison to a canine or feline repast. However, I'm not foolish enough to think that they would pass up whatever meal presents itself.
A few nights ago as we laid ourselves down to sleep, we could hear the bugling or whistling of two bull elk calling across the lake to their cows joined by the serenading coyotes. Ah, give us the sounds of the wild over the sounds of cars honking any day. What a wonderful lullaby to fall asleep to.
So for now, this is early spring in the Kootenay mountains. We are so fortunate.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Lets Send Gunny to the Rose Bowl!
This just in:
We are working feverishily to Get Gunny to the rose Bowl Parade.
Please read his story..you will understand. We will need worldwide support daily for this.
PLEASE...for all the Pitties...
Thanks..and CROSSPOST WORLDWIDE.
Gunny is a rescue pit bull who was used as a "bait" dog at a dog fighting kennel in North Carolina. I encourage you to view the video. Heartbreaking as his story may be, you will be gladdended by the wonderful people and fur friends that have come to his rescue.
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/forum/p/32722/146020.aspx#146020
Jupiter, a Pitty, was adopted by our son and he has certainly changed our minds about the breed and opened our hearts. He's been a high energy and loving character. He's become a most beloved fur member of our family.
Please, for Gunny's sake and for all the abused and neglected pets out there, lets send him to the Rose Bowl and raise awareness everywhere we can.
We are working feverishily to Get Gunny to the rose Bowl Parade.
Please read his story..you will understand. We will need worldwide support daily for this.
PLEASE...for all the Pitties...
Thanks..and CROSSPOST WORLDWIDE.
Gunny is a rescue pit bull who was used as a "bait" dog at a dog fighting kennel in North Carolina. I encourage you to view the video. Heartbreaking as his story may be, you will be gladdended by the wonderful people and fur friends that have come to his rescue.
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/pitbulls/forum/p/32722/146020.aspx#146020
Jupiter, a Pitty, was adopted by our son and he has certainly changed our minds about the breed and opened our hearts. He's been a high energy and loving character. He's become a most beloved fur member of our family.
Please, for Gunny's sake and for all the abused and neglected pets out there, lets send him to the Rose Bowl and raise awareness everywhere we can.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Summer's Gone and soon Fall too...
Well, summer is gone and it's been awhile since my last posting here so this is an attempt to catch up.
This was an odd summer and fall as there were no bears frequenting our apple trees. Of course, we're told that it's a good thing but I'm wondering what has happened to them. We were told that there was a bumper crop of huckleberries so the bears didn't need to visit our fruit trees or the neighbors garbage, neglectfully left on their deck. But huckleberries are seasonal and they didn't last all summer, much less into the fall. Every year conservation officers destroy 'problem bears' that come into town looking to fatten up on carelessly discarded rubbish, pet food left outdoors and front lawn fruit trees. I fear that so many bears have been killed that it's made a serious impact on their numbers and that may be why we're not seeing them this year.
One concerned citizen has taken it upon herself to plant apple tree saplings in remote mountainside areas of the forest. She's been chastised for doing so as apples are not considered to be a 'natural' food source for them. But what then is natural? Surely our continual encroachment into their habitat can't be natural either. I personally commend her efforts to save their precious lives by providing a food source away from town and the confrontations that ultimately end in their tragic loss.
What has made a few visits to our neighborhood has been a cougar cub. The young cat was first sighted by our daughter when returning home late one night. The cougar was caught in her headlights, sitting in the middle of our road. At first our girl thought it was a domestic cat until it got up to run off. It's pale tawny color and long tail gave it away. We've heard its plaintive yowling, much like baby crying from up the side of the mountain behind our home and a few nights ago it ran across our flower boxes outside our bedroom window. It surely knows that we have two small dogs and two kitties living here... now that's food for thought (and for young cougars too). I think this young lion is one of two that was orphaned over the summer by the lion hunter that was hired by the conservation department to eliminate these dangerous animals. It will undoubtedly be a hard winter for the cub, but there is little we can do for it and we have no plans to donate our little dogs or kitties.
Snow is due any day now. Our pantry is packed with our summer harvest, the shelves filled with canned fruit, jams and jellies. Our woodshed is almost full and we're getting ready to settle in for the winter. It's time to make sure our pets are ready for winter too. Our little Mr. Rutgar has a new yellow coat, lined in faux leopard... quite classy and very warm. He's never been one to enjoy wearing clothes, but as soon as the temperatures dropped, he seemed eager to wiggle into his winter gear. He's happy to crawl under his special blanky every night too. I always make certain the pets have fresh water and I fill their bowls several times a day. The water from our tap is very cold in winter and I know I sometimes have trouble drinking icy water so I add warm water to their bowls and I've noticed that they tend to drink more as a result.
So, as I rake up the last of the leaves and put away the hoses for another year, I will be thinking of more hopefully interesting things to add to my blog. Stay tunned!
This was an odd summer and fall as there were no bears frequenting our apple trees. Of course, we're told that it's a good thing but I'm wondering what has happened to them. We were told that there was a bumper crop of huckleberries so the bears didn't need to visit our fruit trees or the neighbors garbage, neglectfully left on their deck. But huckleberries are seasonal and they didn't last all summer, much less into the fall. Every year conservation officers destroy 'problem bears' that come into town looking to fatten up on carelessly discarded rubbish, pet food left outdoors and front lawn fruit trees. I fear that so many bears have been killed that it's made a serious impact on their numbers and that may be why we're not seeing them this year.
One concerned citizen has taken it upon herself to plant apple tree saplings in remote mountainside areas of the forest. She's been chastised for doing so as apples are not considered to be a 'natural' food source for them. But what then is natural? Surely our continual encroachment into their habitat can't be natural either. I personally commend her efforts to save their precious lives by providing a food source away from town and the confrontations that ultimately end in their tragic loss.
What has made a few visits to our neighborhood has been a cougar cub. The young cat was first sighted by our daughter when returning home late one night. The cougar was caught in her headlights, sitting in the middle of our road. At first our girl thought it was a domestic cat until it got up to run off. It's pale tawny color and long tail gave it away. We've heard its plaintive yowling, much like baby crying from up the side of the mountain behind our home and a few nights ago it ran across our flower boxes outside our bedroom window. It surely knows that we have two small dogs and two kitties living here... now that's food for thought (and for young cougars too). I think this young lion is one of two that was orphaned over the summer by the lion hunter that was hired by the conservation department to eliminate these dangerous animals. It will undoubtedly be a hard winter for the cub, but there is little we can do for it and we have no plans to donate our little dogs or kitties.
Snow is due any day now. Our pantry is packed with our summer harvest, the shelves filled with canned fruit, jams and jellies. Our woodshed is almost full and we're getting ready to settle in for the winter. It's time to make sure our pets are ready for winter too. Our little Mr. Rutgar has a new yellow coat, lined in faux leopard... quite classy and very warm. He's never been one to enjoy wearing clothes, but as soon as the temperatures dropped, he seemed eager to wiggle into his winter gear. He's happy to crawl under his special blanky every night too. I always make certain the pets have fresh water and I fill their bowls several times a day. The water from our tap is very cold in winter and I know I sometimes have trouble drinking icy water so I add warm water to their bowls and I've noticed that they tend to drink more as a result.
So, as I rake up the last of the leaves and put away the hoses for another year, I will be thinking of more hopefully interesting things to add to my blog. Stay tunned!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Help fight Canine Cancer
This plea for help comes from Melissa Becall, our friend in California on behalf of Tish Graber and her beautiful Sydney. Even though tomorrow is June 9th, Sydney's nineth birthday, it's never too late to help eliminate cancer in dogs. I recently read the alarming statistic that one in three dogs dies of cancer. What we help to cure in our fur families, we also cure in ourselves... we are one.
*****
Sydney was been diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer and most likely Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). I am involved with an organization called We Are The Cure.
The National Canine Cancer Foundation is a nationwide, contribution funded, 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem in dogs by funding grants for the scientific efforts of cancer researchers who are working to save lives, find a cure, find better treatments, find more accurate, cost effective, diagnostic methods in dealing with cancer, and diminishing dogs’ suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
My goal is to raise $1K before Sydney’s 9th b-day on June 9th. In the last few weeks I have raised $670. Every little bit helps and would very much appreciate your support. Please forward this link www.wearethecure.org/friends/sydney to any animal lovers that you may know.
The donation amount is not important as no amount is too small.
Please pray for my girl as she is really struggling to be strong.
Tish Grabar
Sydney was been diagnosed with Melanoma Cancer and most likely Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). I am involved with an organization called We Are The Cure.
The National Canine Cancer Foundation is a nationwide, contribution funded, 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem in dogs by funding grants for the scientific efforts of cancer researchers who are working to save lives, find a cure, find better treatments, find more accurate, cost effective, diagnostic methods in dealing with cancer, and diminishing dogs’ suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.
My goal is to raise $1K before Sydney’s 9th b-day on June 9th. In the last few weeks I have raised $670. Every little bit helps and would very much appreciate your support. Please forward this link www.wearethecure.org/friends/sydney to any animal lovers that you may know.
The donation amount is not important as no amount is too small.
Please pray for my girl as she is really struggling to be strong.
Tish Grabar
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