Tuesday, December 26, 2006

BROKEN HEARTS-YORKIES LOST

I have been asked to write to make people aware of the potential dangers out there for you and your little dog. It doesn't have to be a yorkie. It could be a poodle, a pug or any other small dog. For years we have heard about the black market for little dogs but who would have thought that it is right in our backyards. Many a dog owner has had their heart broken as their little one has been taken right out of their yard, out of their car and even right out of their own home.

All of the crime and horror going on today has pushed us into being a non-trusting individuals. We lock our houses, we install security systems, we lock our cars, we buy guard dogs. Does any of this help???
We have heard about people leaving their people baby or small child in the car, and the car being stolen with the child inside. More recently we heard about a newborn being taken from a new mom's home. The mom was slashed and left for dead in her own house. What is happening in our world that our safe haven, (our home) is no longer safe? The hazards out there are eminent. Think about the following and consider it all. It could happen to you!!

1. Believe me when I tell you that there is a black market. Little dogs are being stolen every day and sold for drug money or any money that they can get. I have heard of little dogs being stolen out of cars too. Lock your car doors if you have to leave your dog in it. NEVER put your dog outside without supervision, on or off the leash. It only takes a second. Lock your door at your home. My dear friend and web editor lost her yorkie right out of her yard. It only took a second to disappear and the future only brings wondering what ever happened, if he is ok or worse yet, dead.
2. Wild animals attack small dogs for food. Fox, coyote's, coy dogs, fisher cats, bobcats, mountain lions to name a few. Large hawks and eagles are preditors of your little puppies or small dogs. Again, NEVER put your dog outside alone on or off a leash. Even if you have a fenced in yard...these animals can dig their way in and be waiting and hiding for quick lunch. I have heard stories about people hiking out to the eagles next near the old FayScot machine tool place. What they found was a barage of little collars and leashes at the base of the pole.
A woman in Biddeford lost her small dog right off her front porch. She had him leashed out and the dog disappeared. They followed the trail and found the poor dog dead. A fisher cat had hauled him off and buried him just a few hundred yards away from her house. He was coming back to have lunch later.
3. Internet sales or scams. Be sure to check references if you are buying a puppy from another state or off the internet. There are tons of scammers out there. (article posted on my website) You can end up sending your hard earned money to someone who will never send you your pup. Beware!!! The other thing is to really check and I mean really check on what you are buying. Ask for new pictures. Ask to speak to their veterinarian. Ask for references of people who purchased their dog from another State. People tell you things that are not true. Yes I bought some of my dogs on the internet. I can tell you honestly, that 2 out of 4 gave us false information either regarding confirmation or size. Oh don't get me wrong....I would not give my babies up for anything now, but it is disheartening.
4. Falls. Little dogs will fall or jump from high places. We had a family that bought one of our past babies who lost a yorkie when it fell off a bench and hit it's head. Never leave your baby unattended on the couch or anywhere that is higher than they are. This same family lost another one when it ran into the road and was hit. Always put a leash on your pup when taking it outside. Especially when they are just learning commands. They can get distracted easily and bolt for the street. My mom and dad just told me that on the Corinna road a little yorkie ran from a driveway and was in the road, confused and scared. Thank God the man in front of them leaped from his car and grabbed the little guy before he was hit. The car's behind my parents didn't even wait, they just tried to pass both cars and did not even know what was going on.
5. Unknown....puppies chew. They can get sick for reasons we don't know. They can die from respiratory failure due to aspirating vomit, they can just get sick for no reason. Be aware of their behavior...keep a thermometer on hand. A regular rectal one works well. Normal temp is between 100 -103. If above that...call your vet. Diarrhea lasting more than a day. Call your vet. Not eating....call your vet. These little guys are so vulnerable and are at your mercy.
Knowing is half the battle. HOlly

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