It doesn't seem like a week since I sat down in front of a blank blog page... All sorts of things are going on in the news and wildlife areas. And I've been taking care of multiple houses full of critters, as people decide to vacation on a whim, without planning for pet care. I've been running around like crazy. I think I have two days off, Wednesday and Thursday this week, if nothing else pops up.
I've started re-reading my Robin Hobb collection, and am currently reading Dragon Haven. After I read her books, I'll hit my Rafael Sabatini novels, and then my un-edited editions of The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. That should keep me busy for a little while.
I received my National Geographic DNA information back some time ago - my Haplogroup is J1c4. But I have recently sent my DNA for processing to both Ancestry and to 23AndMe, also. I'm waiting to see what is reported by the other two agencies...
We've recently had moose in North Boulder - a woman was tending her garden on the edge of Wonderland Lake, and said she "suddenly felt a presence looming over" her. It was a mother moose with twin calves, and the mother decided the woman was threatening her babies. She was knocked down and walked upon. Luckily, she only had scrapes and bruises. And another moose with a single calf was reported at the Justice Center near the end of Boulder Canyon.
Of course it's now summer, and we're having our usual incursions of coyotes, mountain lions and black bears. The coyotes have been grabbing small dogs who are off-leash on walking, jogging, and biking paths, as well as cats loose in neighborhoods. The mountain lions are grabbing the mule deer and fawns. The bears are smashing bee hives and stealing honey, as well as raiding any bird feeders they can reach. A friend has a one-inch thick wrought iron post for her feeders, and thought they were safe - this morning the post was bent at a 70 degree angle and the bird feeders were crushed and empty on the ground. And folks around my sister and brother-in-laws house now have teen-aged bobcats out hunting with their parents, as well. The fox are staying under cover as much as possible. The cottontail rabbit birth explosion is feeding most of the smaller predators.
Tess, one of the dogs I care for, is not doing well at the moment. She started having seizures last fall. They began occurring every 4 days a couple of months ago, and she has finally been placed on Potassium Bromide as a daily medication. (Her owner is a very firm believer in holistic medicine and diet taking care of everything.) The K-Bro medication has increased her appetite amazingly, as well as her thirst. But the main side effect is ataxia, her hind legs don't support her well... The vet told the owner that once Tess reaches her optimal medication level, she'll return to normal. The vet told the owner it would take one month. I read the information, and it says the optimal level is reached in three to four months... We'll have to see. In the meantime, the dog who always bounced and danced on her hind legs is now shuffling with her nose to the ground. It's pretty sad...
Still at 59 new foals on the Chincoteague NationalWildlife Refuge - 56 after the three losses. One foal died from an umbilical infection, one foal got stuck in the marsh mud and couldn't break free, and one had a congenital defect of the forelegs, which could not be healed. All the others are quite bouncy and bold. As usual, there are some really stupendous pinto markings, quite a few solids with great conformation, and a few real stand-outs. I'm happy with the foals so far...
Showing posts with label coyotes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coyotes. Show all posts
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Critter Thoughts and Weather
It's an absolutely gorgeous day out - the sun is shining, the sky is a brilliant blue with no clouds to be seen, but it's a bit chilly - 34 degrees (F). I'm guessing the trash was picked up late last night at Chez Thuy, as I can see their dumpster is empty, and there are no ravens around to keep Lovey and Nedi on watch. A single squirrel is eating nuts at the place Beatrice has chosen as their feeding spot, and he is busy eating peanuts.
After this final reference (for several months, anyway) to my bronchitis, I'll stop commenting on it. It was very strange last night, lying in bed. I was propped up with pillows so I could breathe easily, and I fell asleep quickly. I woke up, suddenly, just a few minutes after I turned out the light, and tried to figure out what odd noise had awakened me. Then I realized that both Lyra and Lily were sitting on either side of me, staring at my neck. So I began breathing normally again, and then had to laugh, which made me cough, because I identified the "noise" that had awakened me... Myself. Thanks to the congestion in my lungs, sinuses, and throat, I was producing a very strange cacophony of sounds - whistles, squeaks, hisses, gurgles, bubblings, and a few other odd noises I can't even describe. I decided I was making a symphony for myself and let myself fall back asleep, hoping I had identified all of the strange sounds and cataloging them in my mind, so they wouldn't awaken me again. And it worked. I slept well and deeply, even though I know I was producing weird sound effects....
The deer in our neighborhood are learning that Rosie's sight is getting bad, and I swear they have a way of spreading the news. I always click my tongue at the deer when I pass them, and, unless they make a sudden leap away, Rosie doesn't see them. That isn't the case with Tessa, though. I don't know if the deer tell them apart by their color or shape, but they try to "freeze" in both cases, when I click at them. Tessa, though, scents and sees them well, and I try to distract her. We still have a large contingent of cotton-tails in the neighborhood, and squirrels are making a come back. With the drainage ditches being full of water, we also have several families of ducks who have moved in. Only one coyote has been spotted recently, and we have no reports of missing cats or chickens.
Speaking of chickens, I'll begin three weeks of hen care on the 18th of this month. Alycyonia is currently laying five times a week, but the other ladies are about to moult, and will soon stop laying. And Beatrice wants to get a bird feeder to hang in the small tree below her window - the tree is located on the small strip of land between our apartment buildings and Chez Thuy. I think we should get a cheap bird feeder to begin with, and see if it stays in place, before investing in an expensive one. People walk through the area hundreds of times each day, and I don't want to buy a nice, long-lasting feeder if it's going to be (a) stolen, (b) trashed, or (c) get complaints.....
After this final reference (for several months, anyway) to my bronchitis, I'll stop commenting on it. It was very strange last night, lying in bed. I was propped up with pillows so I could breathe easily, and I fell asleep quickly. I woke up, suddenly, just a few minutes after I turned out the light, and tried to figure out what odd noise had awakened me. Then I realized that both Lyra and Lily were sitting on either side of me, staring at my neck. So I began breathing normally again, and then had to laugh, which made me cough, because I identified the "noise" that had awakened me... Myself. Thanks to the congestion in my lungs, sinuses, and throat, I was producing a very strange cacophony of sounds - whistles, squeaks, hisses, gurgles, bubblings, and a few other odd noises I can't even describe. I decided I was making a symphony for myself and let myself fall back asleep, hoping I had identified all of the strange sounds and cataloging them in my mind, so they wouldn't awaken me again. And it worked. I slept well and deeply, even though I know I was producing weird sound effects....
The deer in our neighborhood are learning that Rosie's sight is getting bad, and I swear they have a way of spreading the news. I always click my tongue at the deer when I pass them, and, unless they make a sudden leap away, Rosie doesn't see them. That isn't the case with Tessa, though. I don't know if the deer tell them apart by their color or shape, but they try to "freeze" in both cases, when I click at them. Tessa, though, scents and sees them well, and I try to distract her. We still have a large contingent of cotton-tails in the neighborhood, and squirrels are making a come back. With the drainage ditches being full of water, we also have several families of ducks who have moved in. Only one coyote has been spotted recently, and we have no reports of missing cats or chickens.
Speaking of chickens, I'll begin three weeks of hen care on the 18th of this month. Alycyonia is currently laying five times a week, but the other ladies are about to moult, and will soon stop laying. And Beatrice wants to get a bird feeder to hang in the small tree below her window - the tree is located on the small strip of land between our apartment buildings and Chez Thuy. I think we should get a cheap bird feeder to begin with, and see if it stays in place, before investing in an expensive one. People walk through the area hundreds of times each day, and I don't want to buy a nice, long-lasting feeder if it's going to be (a) stolen, (b) trashed, or (c) get complaints.....
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Bits and Pieces
Yesterday, the History Channel held a nine hour marathon, and showed all the episodes from the first season of Vikings. The second season is being filmed in Ireland, and I found this write-up in The Daily Kos to be interesting: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/20/1248988/-Vikings-Gamla-Uppsala#
One of my cousins sent me an interesting news article stating that rattlesnakes are not rattling before striking anymore. Rattlesnakes shake their tails and rattle to warn others away - they strike only if they feel they are in imminent danger and are protecting themselves. An Arizona newspaper wrote about the "new" happenings back in 2010: http://azstarnet.com/news/science/environment/don-t-rely-on-rattler-s-rattle-to-warn-you/article_fa6e379c-9240-11df-bc07-001cc4c002e0.html And, just a month or so ago, the National Public Radio broadcast a 3+ minute report regarding the lack of rattling found by a herpetologist in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In SD, many of the prairie rattlesnakes have atrophied tail muscles, so they cannot give a warning rattle. It is supposed that the atrophy is due to evolution - snakes that rattle get killed, while those who are silent don't. This will be an interesting development to watch in the coming years. - If you live in an area with poisonous snakes, be aware of their habits, walk carefully, and wear stout leather boots when out trekking on foot.
The Chincoteague Pony Fall Round-Up will occur on October 25 & 26 this year. Since the government shut down is over, the Salt Water Cowboys will round up the ponies on Assateague Island for their fall checkups and vaccinations. They will also be separating the foals left with their dams at Pony Penning, so the babies will go home with their new owners.
The third coyote who attacked a 22-year-old man in Niwot this past week has been euthanized by wildlife officials. I was asked by several folks on my Wildlife newsletter chain to send out information regarding this attack. I did so, not realizing that it would set off a huge amount of controversy in the neighborhood... It's been amazing to sit and read what's been written. A single neighbor "took me to task" for villainizing the coyotes, and the rest of the neighborhood went ballistic. I really did not mean to stir up trouble in a usually quiet neighborhood. I respect the man's opinion - and I'm sure he respects mine.
A few towns here in Colorado are still isolated due to the 100 Year Flood that happened last month. Because all the roads were washed away, these places are trying to do a massive clean up with only what is available at hand. It is incredible to see these people working like the pioneers their great-grandparents were. They are trying to knock down homes and businesses, and rebuild simple shelters. Insurance representatives have not yet been able to access properties, and, here at the height of fall foliage tourism, the towns are accessible, unless one walks and hikes multiple miles and wades through ice cold streams. I really feel for towns like Glen Haven and Drake - they are still in desperate need of help.
Half of my college teams won yesterday, and half of them lost their games. The closest was the South Carolina Gamecocks losing to Tennessee in the final seconds. And I have to admit that I have never really liked the Gators head coach, and, so I was rooting for the Missouri Tigers yesterday (and they won). Today I'll be cleaning house until the Broncos - Colts kick off in Indianapolis... and I'll be cheering for my Denver Broncos!
One of my cousins sent me an interesting news article stating that rattlesnakes are not rattling before striking anymore. Rattlesnakes shake their tails and rattle to warn others away - they strike only if they feel they are in imminent danger and are protecting themselves. An Arizona newspaper wrote about the "new" happenings back in 2010: http://azstarnet.com/news/science/environment/don-t-rely-on-rattler-s-rattle-to-warn-you/article_fa6e379c-9240-11df-bc07-001cc4c002e0.html And, just a month or so ago, the National Public Radio broadcast a 3+ minute report regarding the lack of rattling found by a herpetologist in the Black Hills of South Dakota. In SD, many of the prairie rattlesnakes have atrophied tail muscles, so they cannot give a warning rattle. It is supposed that the atrophy is due to evolution - snakes that rattle get killed, while those who are silent don't. This will be an interesting development to watch in the coming years. - If you live in an area with poisonous snakes, be aware of their habits, walk carefully, and wear stout leather boots when out trekking on foot.
The Chincoteague Pony Fall Round-Up will occur on October 25 & 26 this year. Since the government shut down is over, the Salt Water Cowboys will round up the ponies on Assateague Island for their fall checkups and vaccinations. They will also be separating the foals left with their dams at Pony Penning, so the babies will go home with their new owners.
The third coyote who attacked a 22-year-old man in Niwot this past week has been euthanized by wildlife officials. I was asked by several folks on my Wildlife newsletter chain to send out information regarding this attack. I did so, not realizing that it would set off a huge amount of controversy in the neighborhood... It's been amazing to sit and read what's been written. A single neighbor "took me to task" for villainizing the coyotes, and the rest of the neighborhood went ballistic. I really did not mean to stir up trouble in a usually quiet neighborhood. I respect the man's opinion - and I'm sure he respects mine.
A few towns here in Colorado are still isolated due to the 100 Year Flood that happened last month. Because all the roads were washed away, these places are trying to do a massive clean up with only what is available at hand. It is incredible to see these people working like the pioneers their great-grandparents were. They are trying to knock down homes and businesses, and rebuild simple shelters. Insurance representatives have not yet been able to access properties, and, here at the height of fall foliage tourism, the towns are accessible, unless one walks and hikes multiple miles and wades through ice cold streams. I really feel for towns like Glen Haven and Drake - they are still in desperate need of help.
Half of my college teams won yesterday, and half of them lost their games. The closest was the South Carolina Gamecocks losing to Tennessee in the final seconds. And I have to admit that I have never really liked the Gators head coach, and, so I was rooting for the Missouri Tigers yesterday (and they won). Today I'll be cleaning house until the Broncos - Colts kick off in Indianapolis... and I'll be cheering for my Denver Broncos!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Coyotes Attack Young Man
Yesterday morning, a 22-year-old man was walking along a trail near Niwot (6 miles to the northeast of Boulder); it was just before dawn and he was thinking about grabbing a quick breakfast before heading off to work. He heard a noise off to one side, and turned his head - just in time to see three coyotes launch themselves at him. He managed to fight them off, while yelling loudly. He then called 911 and was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for puncture wounds, bites and scratches and then released. No apparent lasting damage was done, but the young man was bleeding from his face, ears, neck, arms, hands and one bite on his stomach. Two of the three coyotes suspected of attacking him have been killed, and authorities are still seeking the third culprit.
I am not happy about the coyotes attacking the man without reason - they should be leery of man, and should shy away from him. But people are feeding the coyotes and desensitizing them to man. I don't want coyotes in a neighborhood where I live, and I will actively police against them, if they are seen where I live. But... But they are a natural scavenger and are local denizens of the area. I don't like it when the big guy in Githens Acres (where I walk dogs and house-sit) trots around in broad daylight, looking fat and content, and unafraid of the people and animals who live there. Then again, I can't, personally, kill him, either.
That's the problem with civilization today; people keep encroaching upon territory that has belonged to the wild creatures. We both need space. Coyotes are smart animals, known to the Native Americans as "the Trickster," and they adapt easily to new and changing environment. The problem is with those of us who live with smaller domesticated pets - cats, dogs, rabbits. We want our beloved pets to be able to run loose in the yard without having to worry about predators, like coyotes. We expect the wild animals, whom we admire for being wild, to respect our civilized feelings and not even consider our pets as a food source. That is completely foolhardy. I love my two cats, and I allow them to play in my back yard when I am home. I tell myself that I have a good excuse for doing so - I live in a 500-square-foot studio apartment, and my kits need to be able to run and get exercise. I will be terribly upset if anything happens to my pets to hurt or kill them while they are outside - but that is the risk I have decided to take simply by allowing them outside. I know that I can't have my cake and eat it, too. I am aware of the risks. But most pet owners do not think about or acknowledge them.
*****
Second half of my trip to Oklahoma City will appear tomorrow...
I am not happy about the coyotes attacking the man without reason - they should be leery of man, and should shy away from him. But people are feeding the coyotes and desensitizing them to man. I don't want coyotes in a neighborhood where I live, and I will actively police against them, if they are seen where I live. But... But they are a natural scavenger and are local denizens of the area. I don't like it when the big guy in Githens Acres (where I walk dogs and house-sit) trots around in broad daylight, looking fat and content, and unafraid of the people and animals who live there. Then again, I can't, personally, kill him, either.
That's the problem with civilization today; people keep encroaching upon territory that has belonged to the wild creatures. We both need space. Coyotes are smart animals, known to the Native Americans as "the Trickster," and they adapt easily to new and changing environment. The problem is with those of us who live with smaller domesticated pets - cats, dogs, rabbits. We want our beloved pets to be able to run loose in the yard without having to worry about predators, like coyotes. We expect the wild animals, whom we admire for being wild, to respect our civilized feelings and not even consider our pets as a food source. That is completely foolhardy. I love my two cats, and I allow them to play in my back yard when I am home. I tell myself that I have a good excuse for doing so - I live in a 500-square-foot studio apartment, and my kits need to be able to run and get exercise. I will be terribly upset if anything happens to my pets to hurt or kill them while they are outside - but that is the risk I have decided to take simply by allowing them outside. I know that I can't have my cake and eat it, too. I am aware of the risks. But most pet owners do not think about or acknowledge them.
*****
Second half of my trip to Oklahoma City will appear tomorrow...
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Snow
Grey skies this morning when I opened the patio door to let the kits out - but the patio was dry. I showered and got dressed, and stepped out to get my bagel, and discovered it was snowing... We've had very light flurries off and on this morning, but nothing has accumulated. It's pretty chilly out, and the wind is blowing steadily, too. But Rosie and I had a good walk this morning, even though it was brisk out. It only got down to 34 degrees this morning, but I was still surprised to see there were ripening raspberries on the bushes; since it's supposed to be 24 in the morning, I don't think they'll survive, though.
The squirrels are looking plump and nicely furred; and the deer are looking good with all the grass after the rains and flood. Most folks who live in the area where I house-sit were hoping that the flood in September would have caused the coyotes to move on to a better home; turns out they were wrong. We have a large, glossy coated, bushy-tailed male that is being seen frequently in the neighborhood, and neighbors have said that the coyote is as large, or bigger, than a standard German Shepherd. That's not happy news for the cat and small dog owners in the enclave. Since the homes are located in the county, trapping and killing the coyote is legal, but most people shy away from that - I would, too.
I'll start writing about my trip to Oklahoma City tomorrow - I was able to see a lot, but not as much as I wanted; and I didn't even get to visit 3/4 of the places I'd like to go... So I'd really like to return and be able to take my time in viewing the many wonders and museums there.
The squirrels are looking plump and nicely furred; and the deer are looking good with all the grass after the rains and flood. Most folks who live in the area where I house-sit were hoping that the flood in September would have caused the coyotes to move on to a better home; turns out they were wrong. We have a large, glossy coated, bushy-tailed male that is being seen frequently in the neighborhood, and neighbors have said that the coyote is as large, or bigger, than a standard German Shepherd. That's not happy news for the cat and small dog owners in the enclave. Since the homes are located in the county, trapping and killing the coyote is legal, but most people shy away from that - I would, too.
I'll start writing about my trip to Oklahoma City tomorrow - I was able to see a lot, but not as much as I wanted; and I didn't even get to visit 3/4 of the places I'd like to go... So I'd really like to return and be able to take my time in viewing the many wonders and museums there.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
It's Actually Raining! - Coyote and Bears
I just glanced toward the patio window, and laughed... Lovey's washing herself on the top of the cat tree, but Nedi is perched on the back of a wicker chair on the patio, looking in. I said, "You're a handsome man." So he trotted inside and leapt up onto the desk; his fur is wet - not dripping, but with tiny droplets spangling most of his body. He enjoys playing in the rain, while Lovey doesn't. I'd guess it's because she's a slick-coated short hair and he's got medium to long fur that is very fluffy. In any event, it is raining - and we need the rain, as usual. I have to say I'm happy that Boulder didn't get the hail that parts of Denver got yesterday afternoon - it would have ruined the raspberry bushes... In west Denver, some areas got up to two feet of hail, making it look like a winter wonderland. Folks were shoveling hail off their driveways in sneakers, shorts and T-shirts; then the rain followed...
Hail storm in Denver, 9 September 2013
Yesterday, the Department of Wildlife killed a 590-pound black bear that was raiding trash cans near Flatirons Elementary School here in Boulder. The bear had been caught and tagged twice before, and after the last incident, the bear was taken to the Colorado-Wyoming border. He was back in Boulder in 5 weeks' time. Friday, Flatirons was on lock-down because of the presence of a 200-pound black bear, who was also a repeat-offender. The smaller bear was killed Friday afternoon. Upon doing a necropsy, the large bear's stomach contents were found to be: two steaks, wrapped in plastic and on styrofoam trays; pasta and cheese; apples; avocados; potatoes; carrots; eggs; celery; packaged deli meats and greasy paper towels. The trash habits of our residents are contributing to the deaths of the bears - Boulder trash is both easy and sweet pickings. The 80 to 90 pounds of food per day that a black bear needs in September is easily available in unsecured urban trash containers that are not bear proof.
The 590 pound black bear that was killed yesterday in Boulder
Also, yesterday, a family on Poplar Avenue lost their young tabby cat to a coyote. My friend Alexy looked out her bedroom window yesterday morning to see a coyote running by with a cat in it's mouth. She burst out onto her patio, grabbed her police whistle, and ran after the coyote, blowing the whistle as loud as she could. It was too late. The coyote dropped the cat at Alexy's property line, but the coyote took the head with her. Alexy contacted me, and I sent the word out via the Wildlife Warning newsletter. A couple came and identified their daughters' new cat, and took the remains home for burial. It's not fun reporting death and destruction, and asking for identification aid....
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Flooding, Football, Coyote Attack & Snow on Pike's Peak
Pre-season NFL games have begun. Thursday night I watched the first half of the Broncos and 49ers game, and wasn't impressed. Last night, I watched the Patriots and the Eagles play and was happy to see Tim Tebow on the field; but I was not happy when the NFL Channel stopped showing the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter to show the Cowboys. I also realize that it was a home game for the Eagles, but I was overwhelmed with information about the Eagles and very little info about the Patriots. Likewise, I would have preferred to have seen the game playing on the field, rather than the announcers and the Eagles' General Manager. But enough of my grousing...
Our summer rains wreaked havoc in the Black Forest burn area yesterday - there was flash flooding along highway 24 in Manitou Springs (near Colorado Springs), which swept more than 20 cars away in a huge mud and ash wave (and causing at least one death). Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs also flooded across roads and restaurant patios because of the rain. We are expecting summer thunderstorms each afternoon for the next five days, so I'm hoping none of them stay long in the Black Forest burn area.
One of the home owners in the neighborhood where I walk dogs is quite deaf. If she doesn't have both of her hearing aids in place and turned on, she can't hear a word one speaks at a normal conversational level. She was awakened at 4:30 Friday morning by an animal "screaming" - she was sound asleep, no hearing aids in or on, and she ran from window to window in her house, trying to see what was causing the disturbance. She was never able to see anything making the sound, and it died down after about eight minutes. However, when she was outside, working in her garden at 7:30, she observed a mother doe with twin fawns walking haltingly along the side of her yard. She grabbed her binoculars, and saw that the chest area of the doe was ripped open and bleeding, and that the wounds went between the doe's front legs and on to the rib area. Since the fawns looked rather young, she called local Animal Control, because she was afraid the doe would die and leave orphans. The people at the office told her to "let nature take it's course" and, if she saw the doe's body, to contact them again, and they'd see if they could find and rescue the fawns. She described the wounds to Animal Control, and they told her they thought that coyotes and tried to attack the fawns, and that the doe fought them off, which accounted for the screaming which was heard. So I sent out a BOLO to the neighborhood regarding the doe and her fawns.
My brother-in-law is running in a half-marathon today up around Georgetown. Next weekend, he'll be competing in the Pike's Peak Double - and the weather folks just announced they'd had snow on Pike's Peak this morning. I'm certain glad I'm not running (or even walking) up that 14,110 foot mountain!
Our summer rains wreaked havoc in the Black Forest burn area yesterday - there was flash flooding along highway 24 in Manitou Springs (near Colorado Springs), which swept more than 20 cars away in a huge mud and ash wave (and causing at least one death). Fountain Creek in Manitou Springs also flooded across roads and restaurant patios because of the rain. We are expecting summer thunderstorms each afternoon for the next five days, so I'm hoping none of them stay long in the Black Forest burn area.
One of the home owners in the neighborhood where I walk dogs is quite deaf. If she doesn't have both of her hearing aids in place and turned on, she can't hear a word one speaks at a normal conversational level. She was awakened at 4:30 Friday morning by an animal "screaming" - she was sound asleep, no hearing aids in or on, and she ran from window to window in her house, trying to see what was causing the disturbance. She was never able to see anything making the sound, and it died down after about eight minutes. However, when she was outside, working in her garden at 7:30, she observed a mother doe with twin fawns walking haltingly along the side of her yard. She grabbed her binoculars, and saw that the chest area of the doe was ripped open and bleeding, and that the wounds went between the doe's front legs and on to the rib area. Since the fawns looked rather young, she called local Animal Control, because she was afraid the doe would die and leave orphans. The people at the office told her to "let nature take it's course" and, if she saw the doe's body, to contact them again, and they'd see if they could find and rescue the fawns. She described the wounds to Animal Control, and they told her they thought that coyotes and tried to attack the fawns, and that the doe fought them off, which accounted for the screaming which was heard. So I sent out a BOLO to the neighborhood regarding the doe and her fawns.
My brother-in-law is running in a half-marathon today up around Georgetown. Next weekend, he'll be competing in the Pike's Peak Double - and the weather folks just announced they'd had snow on Pike's Peak this morning. I'm certain glad I'm not running (or even walking) up that 14,110 foot mountain!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Galena Wildfire, Coyotes, & Nedi
The report this morning on the Galena Wildfire has the size around 1000 acres, and some of the fire is near burned areas of last year's High Park Wildfire. There were also numerous small wildfires that were contained and extinguished throughout the state yesterday, including one inside the Boulder city limits. Today's humidity is much higher than yesterday's, but unless there is a huge 5-hour downpour of rain directly over the Galena Wildfire, the fire will have to be battled by traditional methods.
Nedi apparently got poked in the eye by something yesterday - he was blinking it rapidly and had tears running down his face yesterday afternoon. I've washed his eye out with saline multiple times now, but I can't see anything sticking into, or out of, the eye itself. And I haven't been able to detect a scratch on the lens, either. He's keeping the eye open and using it, but it's continuing to tear, so I think it will be OK. If he shows any signs of discomfort or swelling, we'll be heading to the vet's office. Right now, he's curled up on the cat tree, watching the squirrels, while Lovey is snoring in my bed.
It was 76 degrees here yesterday - a record high for March 15 in Boulder. And our Open Space Park Rangers shot and killed two coyotes this week, after they had chased and bitten a young boy walking on the Boulder Creek Path. The boy was with his father, but running ahead, and ran back to him when the coyotes began to chase him. He was next to his father when he was bitten. The two coyotes responsible for the attack were well-known to the Rangers, and had been watched closely, as they had shown no fear of humans recently. I am sorry they were killed, but they had become "nuisance wildlife" and were no longer behaving normally.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Coyote Bites Jogger; Edward the Elk
Reports have been growing about the number and tameness of the coyotes who live along the eastern part of the Boulder Creek Path - about a mile east of my apartment. Last week there were several reports of coyotes chasing joggers and bikers along the Path, two days ago, one coyote bit a jogger in the calf of his leg. The coyote has not been caught, and the jogger will undergo rabies shots as a precautionary measure. I think maybe the Boulder Police Department should send officer Sam Carter over that way, since he was such a wonderful shot in killing Edward the elk on Mapleton Hill. The coyote that bit the jogger on the leg is more of a danger to people and society than Edward, a neighborhood mascot, was. I don't really like to see any animal killed unless there's a really good reason. If the creature is a livestock killer in fields and pastures, it should be destroyed. If it's a bear or mountain lion that has lost it's fear of people, it's better that the wild thing is "put down", for it is no longer truly wild. If a coyote along a heavily used paved pathway is chasing and biting humans that are passing by, it, too, should be destroyed. (I have personally seen small children playing on roll-along bikes and trikes on that area of the BCP.) If a wild animal is damaged irreparably, and cannot survive in the wild on it's own, it should be (considering the circumstances) put out of its misery, or taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. If a wild animal has lost its fear of man and is causing havoc by eating livestock and pets, or chasing people, or attacking a person without provocation, it should be put down. I would support whomever put that animal cleanly and neatly.
The people who live on Mapleton Hill are, very rightly, upset about the killing of Edward the elk, or "Big Boy", as he was frequently called. According to the home-owners where he was killed, he was acting normally, and was grazing in the front yard as usual, when officer Sam Carter knocked on their door s little before midnight and told them not to panic if they heard a gunshot. The home-owners had no idea the officer was referring to killing the elk, who was 50 feet away, grazing in a corner. This police officer did not tell his commanding officer, supervisor, or dispatch anything about the elk, or about firing his service shotgun, until the home-owners had provided the local newspaper and two TV stations with photos. It also seems highly suspicious that within 30 minutes of the shooting, an off-duty sheriff's deputy and two other men showed up with a pick-up that had a camper shell on the back, and they placed the carcass of the elk inside and drove off to butcher it. Sounds like it was planned to me. In any event, the local Police, Sheriff, and the Department of Wildlife are each making their own investigation. Then there's the fact that a shotgun was fired within Boulder city limits to bring down an apparently uninjured trophy elk.... Naughty, naughty!
The people who live on Mapleton Hill are, very rightly, upset about the killing of Edward the elk, or "Big Boy", as he was frequently called. According to the home-owners where he was killed, he was acting normally, and was grazing in the front yard as usual, when officer Sam Carter knocked on their door s little before midnight and told them not to panic if they heard a gunshot. The home-owners had no idea the officer was referring to killing the elk, who was 50 feet away, grazing in a corner. This police officer did not tell his commanding officer, supervisor, or dispatch anything about the elk, or about firing his service shotgun, until the home-owners had provided the local newspaper and two TV stations with photos. It also seems highly suspicious that within 30 minutes of the shooting, an off-duty sheriff's deputy and two other men showed up with a pick-up that had a camper shell on the back, and they placed the carcass of the elk inside and drove off to butcher it. Sounds like it was planned to me. In any event, the local Police, Sheriff, and the Department of Wildlife are each making their own investigation. Then there's the fact that a shotgun was fired within Boulder city limits to bring down an apparently uninjured trophy elk.... Naughty, naughty!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Coyotes, Cougars, and Skunks
Gee, it's been a busy day on the wildlife front - carousing coyotes, a curious cougar, and rabid skunks - what a crazy mixture! There have been multiple reports of rabid skunks in the northern areas of Colorado lately. Skunks have been reported chasing horses in pastures, and acting aggressively towards pets and humans they have encountered. Several skunks have been trapped after reports of aggressive behavior, and, unfortunately, each one has been confirmed to be rabid. Please be certain that your pets and livestock are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. (Yes, there are rabies vaccinations available for horses, cattle, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, etc.)
Yesterday, while we were having such a chilly and snowy day, a fat, good-looking pair of coyotes spent several hours along my sister and brother-in-law's back fence line. They spent the first couple of hours hunting, playing and patrolling on the north side of Kathy and Jim's back fence, which is an open area. Then they hopped the fence and stayed in back yard for another couple of hours. Jim had to put covers and curtains in place over the back patio doors, as Mona and Boo really wanted to go out and remove the interlopers from the property. They left the area just before dusk. Jim said they were a "very handsome" pair.
This morning, a young lady was walking her dog (leashed) on Flagstaff Mountain near the Sunrise Amphitheatre. She and dog suddenly became aware there was a crouching mountain lion less than a yard away in snowy brush. The woman raised her arms above her head, with the dogs leash around her wrist, and started talking very loud. She glanced around and saw an outhouse/bathroom not too far away, so she started backing towards it. While the mountain lion did not attack, it seemed curious, and advanced as slowly as the woman and dog retreated. The pair got inside the bathroom and bolted the door. The young cougar stayed in the area for about five minutes and then disappeared back into woods. The woman had called 911, and wildlife officers arrived, but the mountain lion was long gone. As the cat had not actually acted in a menacing way, and paw prints confirmed a younger, smaller individual, officials decided that the cat was simply curious.
Officials want to remind you that with the dry, and now cold, winter, mountain lion sightings will probably multiply. Make yourself appear as large as possible, and make loud noises. Do not run away - you then become prey. Unless an animal is rabid, or defending it's young (not at this time of year!), it will not attack you, a larger and extremely vocal creature.
Yesterday, while we were having such a chilly and snowy day, a fat, good-looking pair of coyotes spent several hours along my sister and brother-in-law's back fence line. They spent the first couple of hours hunting, playing and patrolling on the north side of Kathy and Jim's back fence, which is an open area. Then they hopped the fence and stayed in back yard for another couple of hours. Jim had to put covers and curtains in place over the back patio doors, as Mona and Boo really wanted to go out and remove the interlopers from the property. They left the area just before dusk. Jim said they were a "very handsome" pair.
This morning, a young lady was walking her dog (leashed) on Flagstaff Mountain near the Sunrise Amphitheatre. She and dog suddenly became aware there was a crouching mountain lion less than a yard away in snowy brush. The woman raised her arms above her head, with the dogs leash around her wrist, and started talking very loud. She glanced around and saw an outhouse/bathroom not too far away, so she started backing towards it. While the mountain lion did not attack, it seemed curious, and advanced as slowly as the woman and dog retreated. The pair got inside the bathroom and bolted the door. The young cougar stayed in the area for about five minutes and then disappeared back into woods. The woman had called 911, and wildlife officers arrived, but the mountain lion was long gone. As the cat had not actually acted in a menacing way, and paw prints confirmed a younger, smaller individual, officials decided that the cat was simply curious.
Officials want to remind you that with the dry, and now cold, winter, mountain lion sightings will probably multiply. Make yourself appear as large as possible, and make loud noises. Do not run away - you then become prey. Unless an animal is rabid, or defending it's young (not at this time of year!), it will not attack you, a larger and extremely vocal creature.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Cool, Grey and Drippy
It's not a mist, and the small droplets fall very irregularly - Mom used to say that it was spitting rain, and that's what it seems like. I just finished walking Rosie, the door to the back yard is open (in case Aiko or Yoshi would care to stroll outside), and I have water heating to cook my pasta while the marinara sauce and home-made meatballs are simmering. I've taken the munchkins out twice, and spent 3 hours at home with Lovey and Nedi. It's not quite noon, and I am completely wiped out. I guess that after I eat, I'll nap so I can stay awake to see the Broncos - Raiders game tonight.
Books, glorious books! I just returned four to the library; I'm about half-way through a collection of short stories by James Lee Burke. Then I'll try a new author, whose latest book is a novel about William Wallace. If I like that one, I'll try reading the trilogy about Romano-Arthurian Britain. But then I have that box of 8 new mysteries sitting just inside the closet door - I'll have to pick and choose which one to read first... one of a series? a new stand alone? a new author? It will be fun just opening the box and looking at the new titles.
Thanks to Joel, Nancy, Max, Rosie and Remy, I placed a large new evergreen wreath on my apartment door earlier. And I moved the single big jingle bell inside, to hang on the door knob. Nedi had to investigate it first - and he was quite startled when the bell rang. Then he went back and swatted it again. I hope he doesn't make the neighbors crazy ringing the jingle bells on our door while I'm away.
And Jim and I saw one of the coyotes yesterday; it was a few minutes past 10, and suddenly Mona went ballistic and hopped the fence, barking like mad. She gave chase to the coyote across the neighbors' yard, and then returned to us (since both Jim and I were calling her). This coyote looked a bit scraggly. I'm pretty sure it was the one in the munchkins' back yard last night, too. (At night I go out with a flash light and determine that the yard is safe before I let the Shih Tzus out...)
Books, glorious books! I just returned four to the library; I'm about half-way through a collection of short stories by James Lee Burke. Then I'll try a new author, whose latest book is a novel about William Wallace. If I like that one, I'll try reading the trilogy about Romano-Arthurian Britain. But then I have that box of 8 new mysteries sitting just inside the closet door - I'll have to pick and choose which one to read first... one of a series? a new stand alone? a new author? It will be fun just opening the box and looking at the new titles.
Thanks to Joel, Nancy, Max, Rosie and Remy, I placed a large new evergreen wreath on my apartment door earlier. And I moved the single big jingle bell inside, to hang on the door knob. Nedi had to investigate it first - and he was quite startled when the bell rang. Then he went back and swatted it again. I hope he doesn't make the neighbors crazy ringing the jingle bells on our door while I'm away.
And Jim and I saw one of the coyotes yesterday; it was a few minutes past 10, and suddenly Mona went ballistic and hopped the fence, barking like mad. She gave chase to the coyote across the neighbors' yard, and then returned to us (since both Jim and I were calling her). This coyote looked a bit scraggly. I'm pretty sure it was the one in the munchkins' back yard last night, too. (At night I go out with a flash light and determine that the yard is safe before I let the Shih Tzus out...)
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Wet & Slippery Monday
I didn't blog yesterday because the weather underwhelmed me. Got up, took care of my kits, grabbed my day bag, and headed for the bus. It looked like snow. It smelled like snow. The fog and clouds were hugging the mountains and foothills half-way down. Walking from the bus stop to the Thore house, I was covered in very fine, teeny-tiny snow flakes. They melted as they hit the ground, but covered my hat and jacket. By the time I was supposed to walk the Rs, it was too slippery for Remy to keep his footing, so that walk was cancelled. I let Dhisana, Lily and Tessa in and out as they wanted, read a new Clive Cussler book, and napped most of the day. When I returned home I watched Jeopardy! and then went to bed with the Clive Cussler book. It was excellent! I finished it last night, but not before Lovey decided to sleep lying across my chin and mouth.... It was interesting there for a while. The clouds stayed for most of the night and we never climbed above 35 degrees.
Today, it's partly cloudy and we're supposed to reach 52 in the afternoon - but it's also forecast to be windy - we'll see what happens. There have been a few reports of a single coyote being seen trotting through the neighborhood, and I was contacted this morning by one of the neighbors about the "howling" at night. We don't have any wolves here, so I'm assuming that she's hearing a coyote chorus. I need to send out a notice that we have a pack nearby.... The Broncos won on Sunday, but the Vikings, Saints and Packers lost.
I was very happy to watch the Gators defeat the Seminoles in Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday; but having recently read a new biography of Osceola, I had to blow a raspberry at the FSU mascot, Chief Osceola riding Renegade, the leopard Appaloosa. My first disconnect was the eagle feathers attached to the Chief's cap, along with the double ow of eagle feathers on the war lance. True, eagles do live in Florida, but their feathers were not usually used by the Creeks and other tribes that became the Seminole nation. The second, and largest disconnect came from Renegade. Renegade is a good-looking leopard Appaloosa - and therein lies the rub: the Appaloosa horse is a color breed that was developed in the 1840s through the 1860s by the Nez Perce tribe along the Palouse River in Idaho. Seminoles might have used Florida mustangs, or the occasional US Army horse that was captured, but not an Appaloosa. During the Second Seminole War, the Native Americans were going hungry themselves, as they were squashed into an unlivable domain - a horse would have been the utmost luxury and would have belonged to a great Chief. Osceola was a fantastic warrior and strategist, but he did not own a single horse or pony.
I hope that your week is a happy one.
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Mish-Mash
When I walked Remy and Rosie Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m., it was 21 degrees - but the sun was shining and there was no wind. Yesterday, when I walked the kids at 10 a.m., it was 23 degrees out, but cloudy, and with a north wind. The wind chill yesterday was 2 degrees. It got up to 39 degrees yesterday, and will hopefully reach that today. But we are expecting more snow tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. Not a big dump, but light snow for quite a while. I was asked earlier this week to stay overnight with the Anatolian Shepherds tonight, and next Thursday and Friday nights. This morning, I was asked to just feed and love the dogs for several hours this evening, and to come back again tomorrow to spend most of the day... At least I'll be able to make brownies tomorrow, so I can deliver them to my bus drivers on Monday.
Let's see... animal news. On the east side of Boulder, the Open Space Rangers shot and killed two coyotes that had followed and bitten joggers on a well-used trail. ... Kyle Dyer was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon, and is expected to return to work in 4 to 6 weeks, once her reconstructive surgery heals and the scars fade a bit. ... My kits have been going out three or four times a day. There is still a good 8 to 10 inches of snow on the ground in the back yard, but they are both running through the snow, half-heartedly chasing the squirrels and birds. Most of the time they spend on the patio, just soaking up the sun. ... The horses are gearing up for the Triple Crown, and in-field entertainment at the Preakness has already been arranged.
Did you know that most commercially-raised poultry (not the organic type) is fed an additive to "help cut down infections and get rid of internal parasites" that contains arsenic? A representative from Maryland is trying to get all additives that include arsenic banned from use by commercial producers. Delegate Tom Hucker, D-Montgomery, told a panel of his colleagues Wednesday that even though Pfizer Inc. has voluntarily suspended the sale of roxarsone, a chemical often put in chicken feed to help the birds grow and fight parasites, he wants the chemical banned here.
Hucker said the chemical and other additives that contain arsenic contaminate chicken meat and waste, polluting soil and the Chesapeake Bay. "We should look for alternatives, but without a ban, there will be far less market pressure to spend money on research for alternatives," he said. Pfizer stopped selling the drug in July after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration study found higher levels of inorganic arsenic in chicken treated with roxarsone than in those that were not fed the chemical. - I'm definitely for banning the use of roxarsone and any other additive in poultry feed that contains arsenic!
Let's see... animal news. On the east side of Boulder, the Open Space Rangers shot and killed two coyotes that had followed and bitten joggers on a well-used trail. ... Kyle Dyer was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon, and is expected to return to work in 4 to 6 weeks, once her reconstructive surgery heals and the scars fade a bit. ... My kits have been going out three or four times a day. There is still a good 8 to 10 inches of snow on the ground in the back yard, but they are both running through the snow, half-heartedly chasing the squirrels and birds. Most of the time they spend on the patio, just soaking up the sun. ... The horses are gearing up for the Triple Crown, and in-field entertainment at the Preakness has already been arranged.
Did you know that most commercially-raised poultry (not the organic type) is fed an additive to "help cut down infections and get rid of internal parasites" that contains arsenic? A representative from Maryland is trying to get all additives that include arsenic banned from use by commercial producers. Delegate Tom Hucker, D-Montgomery, told a panel of his colleagues Wednesday that even though Pfizer Inc. has voluntarily suspended the sale of roxarsone, a chemical often put in chicken feed to help the birds grow and fight parasites, he wants the chemical banned here.
Hucker said the chemical and other additives that contain arsenic contaminate chicken meat and waste, polluting soil and the Chesapeake Bay. "We should look for alternatives, but without a ban, there will be far less market pressure to spend money on research for alternatives," he said. Pfizer stopped selling the drug in July after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration study found higher levels of inorganic arsenic in chicken treated with roxarsone than in those that were not fed the chemical. - I'm definitely for banning the use of roxarsone and any other additive in poultry feed that contains arsenic!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Horse Slaughterhouses May Re-open in U.S.
A change in legislative language could lead to the re-opening of horse slaughter plants in the United States. Five years ago federal funding for the inspection of horse meat for human consumption was eliminated. The United States Department of Agriculture oversaw the inspections. However, on Nov. 18 President Obama signed into law a broader bill that restores the funding. According to published reports, such action could end the “ban” on horse slaughter brought about by the lack of funding. In recent years the three remaining slaughter plants shut their doors. Federal legislation actually banning the process of horse slaughter has failed to pass Congress. The legislation is tied to a federal General Accountability Office report from earlier this year. The report concluded, among other things, that the ban on horse slaughter has led to increased cases of horse abuse.
The report, called “Horse Welfare: Act Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter,” was directed by Congress. The report, released in June, said the slaughter market shifted to Canada and Mexico; from 2006 to 2010 horse exports for slaughter jumped 148% to Canada and 660% to Mexico. The report also addressed horse welfare.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives in Congress and urge them to BAN the process of horse slaughtering in the United States! Use the US Postal Service, e-mail, and/or the telephone...
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The rust-colored coyote has been seen every day since Thanksgiving in the neighborhood where I walk dogs and house-sit. And, on the east end of the Boulder Creek Path, one of the Boulder Open Space Officers shot and killed a coyote that had started lunging at bicyclists, and, at the time of it's death, was trailing a couple with a young child, who were on an adjacent nature trail.
Lovey and Nedi are enjoying what I know is their last day of freedom for a while... There is an Arctic cold front on it's way; it was breezy this morning when I took Rosie and Remy out, and the wind is expected to grow as the front nears. All the local weather folks are saying that our high tomorrow, forecast as 22 degrees, will occur soon after midnight, and that the temperature will continue to slowly drop throughout the day. They say that the low Thursday night/Friday morning will be 4; and that we won't get much higher than freezing through Monday. - If the kits really want to go out, I'll let them go, but I'm pretty sure they won't stay out long, once tomorrow arrives. And I did get some shelled nuts for the squirrels and larger birds, as it's also supposed to snow, too.
At least I have plenty of books to read, and work to do on the family trees!!
The report, called “Horse Welfare: Act Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter,” was directed by Congress. The report, released in June, said the slaughter market shifted to Canada and Mexico; from 2006 to 2010 horse exports for slaughter jumped 148% to Canada and 660% to Mexico. The report also addressed horse welfare.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives in Congress and urge them to BAN the process of horse slaughtering in the United States! Use the US Postal Service, e-mail, and/or the telephone...
************************************************************
The rust-colored coyote has been seen every day since Thanksgiving in the neighborhood where I walk dogs and house-sit. And, on the east end of the Boulder Creek Path, one of the Boulder Open Space Officers shot and killed a coyote that had started lunging at bicyclists, and, at the time of it's death, was trailing a couple with a young child, who were on an adjacent nature trail.
Lovey and Nedi are enjoying what I know is their last day of freedom for a while... There is an Arctic cold front on it's way; it was breezy this morning when I took Rosie and Remy out, and the wind is expected to grow as the front nears. All the local weather folks are saying that our high tomorrow, forecast as 22 degrees, will occur soon after midnight, and that the temperature will continue to slowly drop throughout the day. They say that the low Thursday night/Friday morning will be 4; and that we won't get much higher than freezing through Monday. - If the kits really want to go out, I'll let them go, but I'm pretty sure they won't stay out long, once tomorrow arrives. And I did get some shelled nuts for the squirrels and larger birds, as it's also supposed to snow, too.
At least I have plenty of books to read, and work to do on the family trees!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Coyotes Are Still Here
What a beautiful day! The sun is gleaming, the wind is calm, and it's almost 50 degrees outside. I've already taken Rosie and Remy out for their morning walk, and then I stopped in to check up on Olie, Annie, and Bentley, as I start walking them on Monday. As soon as they saw me, all three dogs went to the room that contains their collars and leads, and were ready for me to take them out. Their owner was impressed - usually, the dogs aren't very social. I gave them each a small piece of treat, and told them I'd see them on Monday. ... Lovey and Nedi are out in the back yard taking in the sun's rays. If I wouldn't burn, I'd go out and take a nap out there myself.
I had hoped that the north Boulder area where I walk the dogs and house-sit was free of the coyotes that moved in last fall. I hadn't seen any, and no one had reported seeing any since June. Darcie saw one last week, and on Tuesday, I saw one in the neighborhood. I sent out a coyote sighting warning to all of the neighbors - no one else has seen them, but Annie, the Anatolian Shepherd, has been alerting her owners all summer long that the coyotes are in the neighborhood. Several of the local cat owners were upset to hear that the coyotes are still hanging around.
I am now almost completely booked through August of 2012, plus Christmas and New Year's 2013. It's amazing. I still can't believe that I have this business, and that so many animals (and their owners) like me. It scares me sometimes. But I try to treat each and every person as if I were the customer, and not them; and I treat the critters as if they were my own. I dearly love each and every animal/friend/pet I take care of. Otherwise, I wouldn't continue to care for them. Each one has their own personality, each one gets treated like an individual, and I respect all of them. (Maybe that's what makes me good at doing what I do?) .... In any event, I'll write more about my Florida adventures soon. - And it's almost the weekend! Hope Friday's quitting time comes soon for you!
I had hoped that the north Boulder area where I walk the dogs and house-sit was free of the coyotes that moved in last fall. I hadn't seen any, and no one had reported seeing any since June. Darcie saw one last week, and on Tuesday, I saw one in the neighborhood. I sent out a coyote sighting warning to all of the neighbors - no one else has seen them, but Annie, the Anatolian Shepherd, has been alerting her owners all summer long that the coyotes are in the neighborhood. Several of the local cat owners were upset to hear that the coyotes are still hanging around.
I am now almost completely booked through August of 2012, plus Christmas and New Year's 2013. It's amazing. I still can't believe that I have this business, and that so many animals (and their owners) like me. It scares me sometimes. But I try to treat each and every person as if I were the customer, and not them; and I treat the critters as if they were my own. I dearly love each and every animal/friend/pet I take care of. Otherwise, I wouldn't continue to care for them. Each one has their own personality, each one gets treated like an individual, and I respect all of them. (Maybe that's what makes me good at doing what I do?) .... In any event, I'll write more about my Florida adventures soon. - And it's almost the weekend! Hope Friday's quitting time comes soon for you!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A Mish-Mash of Thoughts
Rosie and Remy were absolutely super during their walk this morning - but Remy started barking as soon as he saw me, and I had to hasten through harnessing and getting out of the door, so that he would stop. Other than that, everything was fine; we even increased our walking speed a bit today, as Remy was not showing any signs of soreness. Both Lovey and Nedi slept on top of me last night - it got down to 43 degrees, and I had left the window slightly open for fresh air. ... It looks like Gibbs and his team will be hounding the steps of the Navy's "Watcher Fleet" this season on NCIS. I didn't like SecNav Jarvis when he was first introduced in the last episode last season, and I find him despicable after last night's season premiere.
In nearby Broomfield, a three-year-old girl was attacked by a coyote last evening. It's the third attack on a child in less than 8 weeks. Luckily, she escaped with punctures to her leg and knee only. And Broomfield has already shot and killed 9 coyotes that they felt were too unafraid of humans. .... And I'd like to smack a 29-year-old acupuncturist and yoga teacher, who also hires herself out as a pet sitter. She was hired to take care of a Chihuahua for 8 days, feeding, watering, playing with, and walking it 3 miles a day. She did the "walking" by driving her car with the dog running beside it on a leash at 10 to 15 mph. She was seen by several people, photos were taken, and the police were called. When two citizens approached the person and commented negatively about her "walking" the dog in such a way, the woman claimed to have a gun in her car, and asked if the two citizens wanted to see it. (She told police she felt "trapped" by the two ladies.) She was arrested on animal cruelty charges and felony menacing, but is out on bail, and says she "can't wait to clear my name." She told police that the owner knew that was how she walked the dog. The owner claims differently, and says she is horrified to hear that her dog was drug by the collar down an asphalt street. The Chihuahua in question has been examined by the Humane Society, and other than having minor cuts around it's neck, from the collar, it seems to be in good condition.
Congress was presented with a bill on September 19th to banish the slaughter of horses for human consumption here in the US. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act was introduced by a Senator from Indiana, and has the backing of 56 co-sponsors. The bill creates a fund of $5 million per year to enforce what I hope becomes law. .... Tropical Storm Lee did some serious damage near Fultonham, New York - Leland Neff had 22 horses out in pasture when the flooding hit - all 22 horses (stallions, mares and foals, all racing bred thoroughbreds) are still missing after the August 28th flood waters hit their home pastures. There are hopes that the horses survived the flood waters and are roaming free in a State Forest nearby. .... And the American Jockey Club has also announced that the number of live foals born to thoroughbred mares declined by 13.5% in 2011, compared to 2010. They also announced that they feel the down-trend will continue. .... However, the yearling sales in Kentucky, at Keeneland and by Fasig-Tipton, have produced much higher bidding than was expected. Several youngsters sold for $1 million or more - including an A.P. Indy son that sold for $1.4 million. The fall yearling sales in Kentucky will end on September 25.
In nearby Broomfield, a three-year-old girl was attacked by a coyote last evening. It's the third attack on a child in less than 8 weeks. Luckily, she escaped with punctures to her leg and knee only. And Broomfield has already shot and killed 9 coyotes that they felt were too unafraid of humans. .... And I'd like to smack a 29-year-old acupuncturist and yoga teacher, who also hires herself out as a pet sitter. She was hired to take care of a Chihuahua for 8 days, feeding, watering, playing with, and walking it 3 miles a day. She did the "walking" by driving her car with the dog running beside it on a leash at 10 to 15 mph. She was seen by several people, photos were taken, and the police were called. When two citizens approached the person and commented negatively about her "walking" the dog in such a way, the woman claimed to have a gun in her car, and asked if the two citizens wanted to see it. (She told police she felt "trapped" by the two ladies.) She was arrested on animal cruelty charges and felony menacing, but is out on bail, and says she "can't wait to clear my name." She told police that the owner knew that was how she walked the dog. The owner claims differently, and says she is horrified to hear that her dog was drug by the collar down an asphalt street. The Chihuahua in question has been examined by the Humane Society, and other than having minor cuts around it's neck, from the collar, it seems to be in good condition.
Congress was presented with a bill on September 19th to banish the slaughter of horses for human consumption here in the US. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act was introduced by a Senator from Indiana, and has the backing of 56 co-sponsors. The bill creates a fund of $5 million per year to enforce what I hope becomes law. .... Tropical Storm Lee did some serious damage near Fultonham, New York - Leland Neff had 22 horses out in pasture when the flooding hit - all 22 horses (stallions, mares and foals, all racing bred thoroughbreds) are still missing after the August 28th flood waters hit their home pastures. There are hopes that the horses survived the flood waters and are roaming free in a State Forest nearby. .... And the American Jockey Club has also announced that the number of live foals born to thoroughbred mares declined by 13.5% in 2011, compared to 2010. They also announced that they feel the down-trend will continue. .... However, the yearling sales in Kentucky, at Keeneland and by Fasig-Tipton, have produced much higher bidding than was expected. Several youngsters sold for $1 million or more - including an A.P. Indy son that sold for $1.4 million. The fall yearling sales in Kentucky will end on September 25.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday, Tuesday
It's only 84 at them moment, with 6% humidity and a nice breeze (with gusts up to 40 mph). The Flatirons have been hazy all day due to the smoke from the Arizona and New Mexico fires - but I can still see snow on top of Niwot Ridge and on the Indian Peaks. The local weather folks say that those of us who live along Boulder Creek can expect "high water" within the next week. At least we are lucky and had all that rain in May, so things are green and growing; not dry and sere, as things are in Arizona and New Mexico. - I spoke with my friend Kathryn, in Gainesville, FL, last night, and found that over 20 wildfires are burning in St. John's County alone. Yowch! And I just saw that the high temperature in Minneapolis, MN today was 102 degrees. Can you say global warming and climate change?
Mocha has decided that she loves sprawling out on the love seat - the kits are all hissing at one another, but that's the extent of their conflicts. Lovey slept next to my head last night - I wonder if she was guarding me from a Mocha attack? Nedi has been a lot more demonstrative, and always wants a cuddle. They all get lots of love. I think I'm spending more time loving the kits than I spend doing anything else... but that's OK with me.
Two bats found flitting around in the early morning hours have tested positive for rabies, so we have that alert out now, too. - And Darcie, who lives in Githens Acres, saw the coyote trot by her front door at 6:15 this morning. She chased it, shaking pennies in a tin can. It ran.
Mocha has decided that she loves sprawling out on the love seat - the kits are all hissing at one another, but that's the extent of their conflicts. Lovey slept next to my head last night - I wonder if she was guarding me from a Mocha attack? Nedi has been a lot more demonstrative, and always wants a cuddle. They all get lots of love. I think I'm spending more time loving the kits than I spend doing anything else... but that's OK with me.
Two bats found flitting around in the early morning hours have tested positive for rabies, so we have that alert out now, too. - And Darcie, who lives in Githens Acres, saw the coyote trot by her front door at 6:15 this morning. She chased it, shaking pennies in a tin can. It ran.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Unpleasantness at Githen's Acres
While walking Rosie and Remy this morning, I ran into Leslie , who lives on Emerald. Leslie was upset. Bandit, her cat had gone out into the back yard this morning, and had a strange reaction to something in the far corner of the yard. Leslie investigated. It was the head, neck, shoulders and forelegs of a short-haired black cat with a small white spot on the chest. The legs were outstretched, and the head angled, as if the cat was sleeping with it's head nestled on its' legs. But there was no other part of the cat. The coyotes had killed and eaten it. The cat belonged to Lesley, who lives across the street from Leslie. Lesley came and identified her, and, while stroking her head, said, "I thought you were faster."
What an awful epitaph. I cried.
What an awful epitaph. I cried.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sore Ear and Wildlife
Time has really gotten away from me. I can't believe that I've missed blogging for three days! I am currently at Ooch's house, and have just seen my nephew walk by with his dog, Mona. I've already talked to Lucy's owner, and have sent an e-mail to Topgallant Charlie's family. Remy's ear has been diagnosed as "chronically inflamed;" he will be placed on a restricted diet, and will be receiving Otamax and antibiotics twice a day. Poor guy! I hate it when I have an ear ache! Ooch is purring in my lap while I blog... I should be with Sophie and Walt out in Niwot, but I've been at home sleeping with Lovey on one side of me and Nedi on the other. Sophie's medical condition became much worse over the weekend, and she was sorrowfully put to sleep at her home on Monday. Walt is up in the mountains with his family. Many people in the area I call "Bird Valley" will miss this intrepid black Border Collie, who only had one eye.
The coyotes are still in the Githens Acres neighborhood. I heard them several times while I was staying with Rosie and Remy, and the bus drivers have commented about seeing them cross 19th Street. I have seen three black bears, eight fox, and the two coyotes within the past two weeks. I am hoping that with the much lower temperatures and the snow, that the bears have finally gone into hibernation. They are not normally around and about at this time of year, and they are very irritable. And, hopefully, some of the hunting laws in Colorado will soon be changed: a couple of hunters killed a 703 pound black bear, and were given heaps of praise. Then one of them admitted to having followed the bear into her den, and having shot her while she was sleeping. That's a no-no; that is unsportsman-like. Soon the Colorado hunting laws will also declare this.
The coyotes are still in the Githens Acres neighborhood. I heard them several times while I was staying with Rosie and Remy, and the bus drivers have commented about seeing them cross 19th Street. I have seen three black bears, eight fox, and the two coyotes within the past two weeks. I am hoping that with the much lower temperatures and the snow, that the bears have finally gone into hibernation. They are not normally around and about at this time of year, and they are very irritable. And, hopefully, some of the hunting laws in Colorado will soon be changed: a couple of hunters killed a 703 pound black bear, and were given heaps of praise. Then one of them admitted to having followed the bear into her den, and having shot her while she was sleeping. That's a no-no; that is unsportsman-like. Soon the Colorado hunting laws will also declare this.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Party and Game
The kits are doing their last roam of the day/evening - it's completely dark outside, except for the moon, and it's 40 degrees outside at the moment (with 48% humidity). The kits and I slept in until 8 this morning - then I went to the grocery store and purchased only the local paper. I read the paper and played with the kits, after passing on a warning to the Githens Acres neighbors from Alexy. She had woken up, bathed, and let the cats out. She went out the front door and retrieved her newspaper, and when she returned to the kitchen, it was to see Cloudy scamper up the cottonwood immediately behind the kitchen door. What really surprised her, though, was the coyote that was hot on Cloudy's tail - and which followed her up into the tree to the first crotch, about four feet above the ground. The coyote could not climb higher, and once Alexy recovered herself, she grabbed two metal pots and banged them together. That caused the coyote to look at her and then leave. Cloudy came down about 15 minutes later, completely untouched. It seems that Kathy and Jim have seen a pair of coyotes in the neighborhood for the last week, but didn't think about giving folks a warning.
I attended Mimi's Winter Solstice party for a little over an hour - met some more dog owners and saw some old friends. I talked with two other women who had lived in Gainesville, and we had a blast discussing one ladies' trip to a wolf compound with her teen-age daughter. They stayed in a teepee, the temperature was below 10 degrees, and she (the mother) hadn't realized that wolves are nocturnal. She declared that she really deserved the Mother of the Year award for that Science Project trip!
And Tim Tebow was the starting quarterback for the Broncos today. The team lost, but they gave their hearts to the game. Tebow ran 40 yards for a touchdown, then threw a spectacular pass to Brandon Lloyd. Well, the pass itself wasn't spectacular, but Lloyd's catch was! The next score for the Broncos was a field goal - and the game was tied at 17 at halftime. That was when I had to leave for the party. I did not see the rest of the game - they lost, scoring only two more field goals, but no touchdowns. The final score was 39 to 23. As I did not see the second half, I don't really know what happened - but the guys played their hearts out in the first half. Go Broncos!
I attended Mimi's Winter Solstice party for a little over an hour - met some more dog owners and saw some old friends. I talked with two other women who had lived in Gainesville, and we had a blast discussing one ladies' trip to a wolf compound with her teen-age daughter. They stayed in a teepee, the temperature was below 10 degrees, and she (the mother) hadn't realized that wolves are nocturnal. She declared that she really deserved the Mother of the Year award for that Science Project trip!
And Tim Tebow was the starting quarterback for the Broncos today. The team lost, but they gave their hearts to the game. Tebow ran 40 yards for a touchdown, then threw a spectacular pass to Brandon Lloyd. Well, the pass itself wasn't spectacular, but Lloyd's catch was! The next score for the Broncos was a field goal - and the game was tied at 17 at halftime. That was when I had to leave for the party. I did not see the rest of the game - they lost, scoring only two more field goals, but no touchdowns. The final score was 39 to 23. As I did not see the second half, I don't really know what happened - but the guys played their hearts out in the first half. Go Broncos!
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