Bella is multilingual. I'm quite proud of her. Of course she speaks Dog. Here, in Baja, I don't know if the other canines speak a different dialect, but she seems quite at home with them and has had no problem making herself understood.
Then of course, she understands (though cannot speak) English. Her vocabulary is large. When she is being pesky with her ball wanting someone to toss it, she knows the command "be self-entertaining" and goes off with the ball to play by herself.
She often stays with some friends when we can't take her on our travels. I know they speak German to her. I don't know what she knows, but they say she's got the basics down. Maybe I should learn German...
And now she has some Spanish under her belt. I am working with the program Rosetta Stone to improve my Spanish and each unit starts starts and ends with "hola" and "adios." The first time I said "hola" she ran to the door and barked. I didn't get what the connection was until the second time. Now, if we're inside, and I say "Hola," she always runs to the door or out into the yard to see who's there!
How many languages does your dog understand?
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label International. Show all posts
February 1, 2013
March 14, 2012
Home!
We returned from warm and sunny Baja to a cold and snowy northwest. It doesn't seem fair although the comforts of home outweigh the frigid temps! It took a little over a week to get home.
We camped at three new places coming up the peninsula—each beautiful in their own right. Our first stop was in San Ignacio; Bella was in heaven. We stayed at a tiny little campground right on the river. I'm sure in warmer, calmer weather the bugs would be incredible, but we were blessed by a stiff wind that kept them at bay. Bella was able to run around (no one else was there) and swim. Lots of chuck-it in the water.
Our second stop was in Scammons Lagoon on the Pacific. Again, it was deserted except for the whales. We spent hours watching them spout, spy hop and surface. It was beyond thrilling. Our last night in Baja was also on the Pacific. A couple nights in San Diego with family and friends and then on to the eastern California route north.
Ha! We got to Lone Pine and learned that a huge storm was coming in, so our desired route was 86'd by weather. The reports threatened up to five feet of snow in the Sierras with gusts nearing 100mph! Talk about taking the excitement out of the drive! We camped south of Lake Tahoe and Bella got to run in the snow, but the winds started during the night and rocked the van so severely, that we got up before 4AM and started driving. We made it over the Sierras before the brunt of the storm hit us, so although it was a boring drive up the interstate, we made it back without incident.
Our first morning home, we woke to snow on the ground and this morning, Bella refused to go on a walk. So much for a warm sun! We have a fire going in the stove; Bella is tucked up close and I think I'll bake some bread despite the desire to start gardening.
We camped at three new places coming up the peninsula—each beautiful in their own right. Our first stop was in San Ignacio; Bella was in heaven. We stayed at a tiny little campground right on the river. I'm sure in warmer, calmer weather the bugs would be incredible, but we were blessed by a stiff wind that kept them at bay. Bella was able to run around (no one else was there) and swim. Lots of chuck-it in the water.
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| Rediscovering the "white stuff." |
Ha! We got to Lone Pine and learned that a huge storm was coming in, so our desired route was 86'd by weather. The reports threatened up to five feet of snow in the Sierras with gusts nearing 100mph! Talk about taking the excitement out of the drive! We camped south of Lake Tahoe and Bella got to run in the snow, but the winds started during the night and rocked the van so severely, that we got up before 4AM and started driving. We made it over the Sierras before the brunt of the storm hit us, so although it was a boring drive up the interstate, we made it back without incident.
Our first morning home, we woke to snow on the ground and this morning, Bella refused to go on a walk. So much for a warm sun! We have a fire going in the stove; Bella is tucked up close and I think I'll bake some bread despite the desire to start gardening.
February 27, 2012
Hurt Again!
Arg! This is driving me crazy. Bella did something to her back foot again and is putting no weight on it. We have checked it multiple times for thorns, but cannot find anything. There are no cuts. I've extended and contracted her leg to see if there is an issue there. I've moved her toes and her foot around. All of these are coming up with nothing. I'm beside myself with worry. She isn't licking any part of her foot or leg, but she also isn't moving around.
FOOTNOTE: There is a local retired vet in the area and though we did not intend for him to look at Bella, we sought his opinion on whether we should take her into town. He was kind enough to give her a brief examination and determined that she had probably sprained her toe. Luckily nothing was broken and there were no thorns. It was one of those head-slapping moments that when shown both her back paws, it was obvious one toe was quite a bit larger. My vet had sent me down here with some anti-inflammatories and he suggested I give her some for a couple of days.
After a quiet day yesterday and one pill, she's doing much better today. Although still favoring the foot, at least she is putting some weight on it. I didn't take her on the morning women's walk, but will take her on one short one today and maybe two small ones tomorrow.
February 13, 2012
Glass and Paws
The house we are renting has a huge, fenced yard that is planted, with one exception, only around the perimeter. It doesn't make for a pretty yard, but it does make it pretty good for a game of chuck-it. There is no grass, which is not unusual here. Most yards, even those with fairly intense plantings are sand, and ours is no exception. Where people may mow their lawn at home, here people rake the sand regularly to clean up debris. I don't know how old this house is, but I think it's a fair bet to say the yard has seldom, if ever, been raked.
I haven't done much of a survey of the property beyond regular pooper-scooping and playing ball with Bella. But when she sliced open a pad on her back foot, I began to pay attention. The yard is littered with broken glass, rusted nails and wire, pieces of plastic and broken ceramic tiles. It changes each day as we drive across it or Bella runs through it. New debris surfaces regularly. Every couple of days, I'd make a circuit with a grocery bag picking up shards, nails and anything looking sharp. When Bella cut another pad, I declared war.
I found an old, rusted (what else?) rake and began raking the yard. With each small scratch of the surface, handfuls of glass appeared. It has been hugely discouraging. In five days, I have only covered a third of the yard and when I finish, I realize I'll need to begin again. And I am not the only one doing this. A good friend has come over three separate days and helped me for hours. My husband took over raking today and only did a small section. He was astounded.
I think when the house was built, the workers just threw their beer bottles into the yard. Because this is a rental, perhaps people coming through the neighborhood have recognized that the house isn't constantly occupied and have done the same. Perhaps the owners and other renters have tossed their bottles into the yard because that is culturally not an aberrant thing to do here.
But however they got here, the bottles have broken into zillions of tiny, sharp, paw-cutting, brown, green and clear pieces. Driven or walked over, the glass gets pushed into the sand. With Bella running around the yard, she's churning it back up. I'll finish raking and picking up a section only to have the light play over an area I have finished and it will sparkle with hundreds of missed shards.
My friend says I should leave all the bags for our landlord to see. I'd rather see the glass gone, but perhaps she's right. At least for now, they are a sign of progress for me. I am still hesitant to toss a ball for Bella, but feel slightly better that a very large portion of debris has been removed from part of the yard.
My poor girl. She gave little indication of what had happened. With the first slice, which was the deepest, she neither licked her paw nor limped, so I had no knowledge of what had happened to her until I spotted it. With the second slice, I knew. We cleaned her feet and applied Neosporin. She spent an unhappy day inside with her back foot wrapped up in a sock.
We haven't taken her biking in a week; tomorrow morning we'll take her on a small ride. Tomorrow afternoon, you'll find me back at raking and picking.
 |
| Waiting for the ball to move. |
I found an old, rusted (what else?) rake and began raking the yard. With each small scratch of the surface, handfuls of glass appeared. It has been hugely discouraging. In five days, I have only covered a third of the yard and when I finish, I realize I'll need to begin again. And I am not the only one doing this. A good friend has come over three separate days and helped me for hours. My husband took over raking today and only did a small section. He was astounded.
I think when the house was built, the workers just threw their beer bottles into the yard. Because this is a rental, perhaps people coming through the neighborhood have recognized that the house isn't constantly occupied and have done the same. Perhaps the owners and other renters have tossed their bottles into the yard because that is culturally not an aberrant thing to do here.
But however they got here, the bottles have broken into zillions of tiny, sharp, paw-cutting, brown, green and clear pieces. Driven or walked over, the glass gets pushed into the sand. With Bella running around the yard, she's churning it back up. I'll finish raking and picking up a section only to have the light play over an area I have finished and it will sparkle with hundreds of missed shards.
My friend says I should leave all the bags for our landlord to see. I'd rather see the glass gone, but perhaps she's right. At least for now, they are a sign of progress for me. I am still hesitant to toss a ball for Bella, but feel slightly better that a very large portion of debris has been removed from part of the yard.
My poor girl. She gave little indication of what had happened. With the first slice, which was the deepest, she neither licked her paw nor limped, so I had no knowledge of what had happened to her until I spotted it. With the second slice, I knew. We cleaned her feet and applied Neosporin. She spent an unhappy day inside with her back foot wrapped up in a sock.
We haven't taken her biking in a week; tomorrow morning we'll take her on a small ride. Tomorrow afternoon, you'll find me back at raking and picking.
February 5, 2012
Puhleez!
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| Girls just want to have fun. |
February 4, 2012
Some Realities of Baja
Baja is beautiful in a stark and prickly way. There is no "lushness" in the area we are living beyond the bougainvilleas and other flowering plants some people have added to their landscape. Even though desert plants can be beautiful, they all have a defense system with poison, prickles or spines. The wind is harsh, the sand, sharp edged, the terrain hot and unforgiving.
Culturally, recycling is a new idea and practiced by very few. There are only a couple of outlets where one can recycle and they are tiny and infrequently used. Litter is everywhere (oh the bane of plastics!) and though "No Mas Basura!" (No More Garbage) has an annual community pick-up day, it barely puts a dent in what is flying about. We watched a neighbor dutifully raking her sand yard of bags, cups and plastic bottles and depositing them in a garbage bin outside her gate. The next morning, the bin was tipped over and garbage was everywhere for the cats, dogs and cows to eat. It remained that way until later in the week when the garbage man came by to dump it in a designated arroyo.
In my thrice weekly walks towards the mountains with a group of women and their dogs, we joked, tongue in cheek, about finding our way by certain garbage that has blown into or placed on the cactus. A discarded and broken plastic chair, a worn backpack, a t-shirt tied to a branch, a dead cow. Seeing cow legs, hide or bones is not at all unusual. They are free range and have little to eat or drink. They look skin and bones anyway. Our neighbor's garbage must have been a boon.
Last week I took Bella on a walk different than our normal one with the ladies, but still heading towards the mountains. There, a ways into the bush by the side of the sandy road, tucked at the base of a cactus, was a large, dead dog. I didn't recognize it, but also couldn't approach it. It had not been there the day before. Was it hit and crawled there to die? Had it been poisoned and this was it's final resting spot? Had it died at home and the owner brought it here for the vultures to take care of? Any of those were possible.
The next day when we went by that spot, Buddy was with us. Buddy is the name we've given to a local, large lab/German Shepherd cross. She lives somewhere in our neighborhood and often appears out of the scrub to join us on walks or bike rides. She's sweet as can be and is obviously loved, though allowed to scrounge and roam. The vultures had settled in to their job of clean-up, but Buddy chased them off and I wondered if she did it to "protect" the other dog or for the fun of the chase. Either way, it reminds one of how humbling Baja can be.
Culturally, recycling is a new idea and practiced by very few. There are only a couple of outlets where one can recycle and they are tiny and infrequently used. Litter is everywhere (oh the bane of plastics!) and though "No Mas Basura!" (No More Garbage) has an annual community pick-up day, it barely puts a dent in what is flying about. We watched a neighbor dutifully raking her sand yard of bags, cups and plastic bottles and depositing them in a garbage bin outside her gate. The next morning, the bin was tipped over and garbage was everywhere for the cats, dogs and cows to eat. It remained that way until later in the week when the garbage man came by to dump it in a designated arroyo.
In my thrice weekly walks towards the mountains with a group of women and their dogs, we joked, tongue in cheek, about finding our way by certain garbage that has blown into or placed on the cactus. A discarded and broken plastic chair, a worn backpack, a t-shirt tied to a branch, a dead cow. Seeing cow legs, hide or bones is not at all unusual. They are free range and have little to eat or drink. They look skin and bones anyway. Our neighbor's garbage must have been a boon.
Last week I took Bella on a walk different than our normal one with the ladies, but still heading towards the mountains. There, a ways into the bush by the side of the sandy road, tucked at the base of a cactus, was a large, dead dog. I didn't recognize it, but also couldn't approach it. It had not been there the day before. Was it hit and crawled there to die? Had it been poisoned and this was it's final resting spot? Had it died at home and the owner brought it here for the vultures to take care of? Any of those were possible.
The next day when we went by that spot, Buddy was with us. Buddy is the name we've given to a local, large lab/German Shepherd cross. She lives somewhere in our neighborhood and often appears out of the scrub to join us on walks or bike rides. She's sweet as can be and is obviously loved, though allowed to scrounge and roam. The vultures had settled in to their job of clean-up, but Buddy chased them off and I wondered if she did it to "protect" the other dog or for the fun of the chase. Either way, it reminds one of how humbling Baja can be.
January 28, 2012
New Baja Buddy Moves Stateside
The dogs in Baja are incredible. There is no select breeding going on here. In fact, the dogs are shining examples of not being bred for looks—they are mostly scruffy, bunches of mix and match pieces. Neutering is not a consideration. Certainly male dogs would not be neutered (a macho thing still very prevalent here) and the females are viewed as somewhat of a nuisance as they seem to get pregnant all the time. (I wonder why that is?) Unfortunately, females are often killed because of this.
What these dogs do have, however, is smarts. Most are raised outside and left to fend for themselves, so they either make it or don't. (One friend said they must know not to eat sea slugs. Nope. It's just that those that do, die.)
Since garbage is everywhere and dead cows on the side of a road are not uncommon, there seems to be enough for them to survive. They are savvy to cars, people and other dogs. If they aren't, they don't last. They aren't fighters as it serves no purpose. Not all seek people out, but they aren't skittish either, and will often come over for a pat. I've seen a couple with mange, however, so I always looks before I pat!
Of course, not all owners are oblivious. You can tell some are well loved, if somewhat neglected. Every once and while, you'll come across a little mongrel that is beautiful and you wonder where are its parents? Most of the dogs are on the small side (40 pounds and under).
The gringos have been instrumental in caring for many of the strays—of which there are too many. There is a loose organization of people who take in and foster them, paying for medical care and neutering as well as trying to rehome them.
A friend here is one of those people. She found a beautiful little girl with Dobie markings who at around a year old had already had one litter and when spayed, had eight little pups in her. But the dog, named Lola, was wonderful. Definitely smart, interested in people and in pleasing, with great doggie communication skills. However, Jeanie already had a dog and because of her current circumstances, couldn't have two, so was trying to find a forever home for Lola. Enter stage left—ME!
We have some wonderful friends and neighbors back in the states who lost their dog about three years ago. This past year they have hashed and rehashed whether to adopt or not. Their past dog was a handful, aggressive with other dogs and dangerous around children, so they wanted to be very careful before accepting another pup into their home. They do not board their dog, but depend on friends to care for their companion when they travel, which they do a lot and for extended periods. I told them I'd be on the lookout for just the perfect Baja dog for them.
I emailed them about Lola and sent pictures and added the kicker that in three days the foster parent was flying back to the states and could bring Lola with them. Quite an abrupt decision-making period, but with pictures and videos to view, and a time constraint on deciding, they chose to buy dog food, bed, toys and leash and welcome this sweet little girl into their hearts and home. They have renamed her K2 (they are climbers) and are blissfully in love.
What these dogs do have, however, is smarts. Most are raised outside and left to fend for themselves, so they either make it or don't. (One friend said they must know not to eat sea slugs. Nope. It's just that those that do, die.)
Since garbage is everywhere and dead cows on the side of a road are not uncommon, there seems to be enough for them to survive. They are savvy to cars, people and other dogs. If they aren't, they don't last. They aren't fighters as it serves no purpose. Not all seek people out, but they aren't skittish either, and will often come over for a pat. I've seen a couple with mange, however, so I always looks before I pat!
Of course, not all owners are oblivious. You can tell some are well loved, if somewhat neglected. Every once and while, you'll come across a little mongrel that is beautiful and you wonder where are its parents? Most of the dogs are on the small side (40 pounds and under).
The gringos have been instrumental in caring for many of the strays—of which there are too many. There is a loose organization of people who take in and foster them, paying for medical care and neutering as well as trying to rehome them.
A friend here is one of those people. She found a beautiful little girl with Dobie markings who at around a year old had already had one litter and when spayed, had eight little pups in her. But the dog, named Lola, was wonderful. Definitely smart, interested in people and in pleasing, with great doggie communication skills. However, Jeanie already had a dog and because of her current circumstances, couldn't have two, so was trying to find a forever home for Lola. Enter stage left—ME!
 |
| Meet Lola/K2, our new neighbor! |
I emailed them about Lola and sent pictures and added the kicker that in three days the foster parent was flying back to the states and could bring Lola with them. Quite an abrupt decision-making period, but with pictures and videos to view, and a time constraint on deciding, they chose to buy dog food, bed, toys and leash and welcome this sweet little girl into their hearts and home. They have renamed her K2 (they are climbers) and are blissfully in love.
January 24, 2012
Messing with Sea Slugs
I've written numerous times (search this blog or click here) about the danger of dogs ingesting sea slugs, sea cucumbers or puffer fish. The neuro-toxins they carry can kill a dog within 24 hours. No one has been able to tell me if that means merely nosing them is lethal, though I do know mouthing (but not swallowing) is.
Having been here about a month now, I've heard many personal reports of the what happens and it went from a vague, yet awful story to horrendous. I also mentioned the lack of success with Bella wearing her muzzle, so since the first couple of days here, she has not been on the beach and thankfully, she does not seem to mind.
The past two weekends there have been huge, local paddle boarding, wind surfing and kite boarding events that followed a Thursday-Sunday schedule. These are large fundraisers for the local areas. In our case, the La Ventana Classic raises money for the local schools and is critical in the community for acquiring much needed educational supplies and fixtures. We attended both and brought Bella, on leash without a muzzle.
In Los Barriles, the beach was spotless and we felt it would be good for her to learn how to deal with a crowd of people, children and dogs. In fact, she was stellar. Calm, curious, but not frantic to leave nor get in the water, which I had initially feared she might want to do seeing it so close. In La Ventana, after first checking out the beach where the event was being held, we determined it was also safe, and brought her there also.
Of course, you know where this is heading. At one point, Bella decided it would be fun to excavate the sand and began digging to China. Out of the hole, popped a dessicated sea slug which she immediately dive-bombed and began rolling on. It took only seconds. I hauled her back, shouted for my husband who was busy volunteering for the event and left. Luckily he had driven there with the dog while I had walked. We didn't know if she had touched the slug with any membranes—edges of her eye or mouth—or if bacteria was on her coat, could she ingest it via licking? We wanted to wash her down immediately.
The bath she received was the longest, must sudsy one she's ever received. We were careful not to spray forward toward her face, though it was also thoroughly and delicately cleaned. My husband performed like a surgeon. He was meticulous in how he handled her, the soap, water and direction in which he scrubbed and rinsed. The towel we dried her with was later bleached in a tub of water, then cleaned and dried.
That evening, we were invited to a friend's house for dinner and although they choose not to have pets and are very strict about shoes off upon entering, they understood the circumstances and allowed Bella inside. We had read and heard the progression of symptoms, so spent the evening watching her closely for jerky movements, unsettled behavior and nausea. Periodically, we'd call her to us from wherever she was in order to monitor her gait.
I had read that in humans, a symptom of neuro-toxin poisoning is a numbness in the mouth. I am a very light sleeper, so in the middle of the night, when I heard Bella licking her lips over and over, I sat bolt upright. We turned on lights, asked her to stand and walk, offered her water. How much was she licking? For how long? Were her eyes tracking? Her gait steady? We were a wreck!
Remember we are miles and miles from the nearest city where there is no emergency vet. If something was wrong we wouldn't have been able to do anything until the morning, then a 45 minute drive into town and fingers crossed we could get in immediately. There was also the very real issue of our rudimentary Spanish not being able to understanding them or them us. It was absolutely nerve-wracking.
Luckily, in the morning, Bella seemed fine although we continued to assiduously monitor her for the next 24 hours. It was a tough lesson, but luckily one where the outcome was positive. It just solidified our desire to keep her off the beach—no matter how clean it might look—as something nasty could be lurking below the surface.
Having been here about a month now, I've heard many personal reports of the what happens and it went from a vague, yet awful story to horrendous. I also mentioned the lack of success with Bella wearing her muzzle, so since the first couple of days here, she has not been on the beach and thankfully, she does not seem to mind.
The past two weekends there have been huge, local paddle boarding, wind surfing and kite boarding events that followed a Thursday-Sunday schedule. These are large fundraisers for the local areas. In our case, the La Ventana Classic raises money for the local schools and is critical in the community for acquiring much needed educational supplies and fixtures. We attended both and brought Bella, on leash without a muzzle.
In Los Barriles, the beach was spotless and we felt it would be good for her to learn how to deal with a crowd of people, children and dogs. In fact, she was stellar. Calm, curious, but not frantic to leave nor get in the water, which I had initially feared she might want to do seeing it so close. In La Ventana, after first checking out the beach where the event was being held, we determined it was also safe, and brought her there also.
Of course, you know where this is heading. At one point, Bella decided it would be fun to excavate the sand and began digging to China. Out of the hole, popped a dessicated sea slug which she immediately dive-bombed and began rolling on. It took only seconds. I hauled her back, shouted for my husband who was busy volunteering for the event and left. Luckily he had driven there with the dog while I had walked. We didn't know if she had touched the slug with any membranes—edges of her eye or mouth—or if bacteria was on her coat, could she ingest it via licking? We wanted to wash her down immediately.
The bath she received was the longest, must sudsy one she's ever received. We were careful not to spray forward toward her face, though it was also thoroughly and delicately cleaned. My husband performed like a surgeon. He was meticulous in how he handled her, the soap, water and direction in which he scrubbed and rinsed. The towel we dried her with was later bleached in a tub of water, then cleaned and dried.
That evening, we were invited to a friend's house for dinner and although they choose not to have pets and are very strict about shoes off upon entering, they understood the circumstances and allowed Bella inside. We had read and heard the progression of symptoms, so spent the evening watching her closely for jerky movements, unsettled behavior and nausea. Periodically, we'd call her to us from wherever she was in order to monitor her gait.
I had read that in humans, a symptom of neuro-toxin poisoning is a numbness in the mouth. I am a very light sleeper, so in the middle of the night, when I heard Bella licking her lips over and over, I sat bolt upright. We turned on lights, asked her to stand and walk, offered her water. How much was she licking? For how long? Were her eyes tracking? Her gait steady? We were a wreck!
Remember we are miles and miles from the nearest city where there is no emergency vet. If something was wrong we wouldn't have been able to do anything until the morning, then a 45 minute drive into town and fingers crossed we could get in immediately. There was also the very real issue of our rudimentary Spanish not being able to understanding them or them us. It was absolutely nerve-wracking.
Luckily, in the morning, Bella seemed fine although we continued to assiduously monitor her for the next 24 hours. It was a tough lesson, but luckily one where the outcome was positive. It just solidified our desire to keep her off the beach—no matter how clean it might look—as something nasty could be lurking below the surface.
January 7, 2012
Cactus Hiking
This area is nothing if not prickly. Many, many cactus of different varieties, bushes with thorns, prickers on the ground. I brought heavy-duty dog booties down with us for Bella's tender city feet, just in case...
Today we joined a group of women and their dogs (two miniature poodles and a scruffy pup of mixed heritage) for a hike into the foothills behind town. Of course, I didn't bring my camera. Sorry, no shots, but I promise to try and snap some pictures in the future.
I asked some of the people before we went if they used booties on their dogs and they just snorted. We were hiking dirt roads, not into the cactus per se, so Bella also went shoeless. If she was going to go into the brush, this was a perfect occasion to learn what things needed avoiding and I'm pleased to report that she managed beautifully. She loved the scruffy dog, was not particularly interested in the poodles, marched ahead of all of us and waited for me to catch up when too much distance accumulated.
We left around 7:30AM. Although I'm normally up then, I'm not really functioning, so it took some effort to get enough coffee under my belt to converse intelligently! The temperature was great...even somewhat chilly. We finished up two hours later and you could already feel that it was going to be a hot day. Bella's tongue was long, but she learned as a young pup to drink from a bicycler's water bottle (which I had brought for her), so at least, she had plenty of water. I ended up pouring my bottle into hers.
Now, back at Casa Bella (my name for our house), she's conked out on the cool tile floors until it's time to play again.
Today we joined a group of women and their dogs (two miniature poodles and a scruffy pup of mixed heritage) for a hike into the foothills behind town. Of course, I didn't bring my camera. Sorry, no shots, but I promise to try and snap some pictures in the future.
I asked some of the people before we went if they used booties on their dogs and they just snorted. We were hiking dirt roads, not into the cactus per se, so Bella also went shoeless. If she was going to go into the brush, this was a perfect occasion to learn what things needed avoiding and I'm pleased to report that she managed beautifully. She loved the scruffy dog, was not particularly interested in the poodles, marched ahead of all of us and waited for me to catch up when too much distance accumulated.
We left around 7:30AM. Although I'm normally up then, I'm not really functioning, so it took some effort to get enough coffee under my belt to converse intelligently! The temperature was great...even somewhat chilly. We finished up two hours later and you could already feel that it was going to be a hot day. Bella's tongue was long, but she learned as a young pup to drink from a bicycler's water bottle (which I had brought for her), so at least, she had plenty of water. I ended up pouring my bottle into hers.
Now, back at Casa Bella (my name for our house), she's conked out on the cool tile floors until it's time to play again.
January 5, 2012
Hola from Baja!
We scrambled mightily and were able to bust out of Dodge shortly after Christmas. Six days of driving including an overnight with family in San Diego, brought us to our new ( though temporary) casita late afternoon on the first. Ah! The relief of getting out of the car and the joy of having a wonderful, commodious house and yard in which to stay. All of us, Bella included, have slept like rocks getting on Baja time.
I had worked with Bella back at home training her to wear a muzzle so that beach walking would be possible. There were a series of warnings before coming here indicating a large influx of poisonous sea slugs on the beach and I didn't want my mouthy girl anywhere near them. Indeed, the beach is littered with them, though she has shown no interest. The muzzle, on the other hand, is a bust. She wore it at home begrudgingly but without incident. Here, she spent her time scrapping her nose through the sand trying to rid herself of the contraption. And let me tell you, the sand here is not soft and powdery, but small, sharp rocks. After two days and only two short walks, her nose was scrapped raw. Enough!
As the beach is not obliging anyway, there will be no more beach walks until they clear themselves of their poisonous contents. In the meantime, Bella and I have been exploring dusty back roads and loving it. She's off leash and minding well.
I am hoping next week to hook up with a group of women and their dogs to join them on their weekly early morning hikes. Bella is dog friendly and has already met many of her four-legged Mexican neighbors. There is one particularly scruffy little fellow whom she seems to be most enamored with. Unfortunately, we did not see him anywhere today. Perhaps tomorrow...
Our Internet connection here is quite "iffy," so though I will try to post regularly to fill you in on Baja life, my posts may be erratic.
I had worked with Bella back at home training her to wear a muzzle so that beach walking would be possible. There were a series of warnings before coming here indicating a large influx of poisonous sea slugs on the beach and I didn't want my mouthy girl anywhere near them. Indeed, the beach is littered with them, though she has shown no interest. The muzzle, on the other hand, is a bust. She wore it at home begrudgingly but without incident. Here, she spent her time scrapping her nose through the sand trying to rid herself of the contraption. And let me tell you, the sand here is not soft and powdery, but small, sharp rocks. After two days and only two short walks, her nose was scrapped raw. Enough!
As the beach is not obliging anyway, there will be no more beach walks until they clear themselves of their poisonous contents. In the meantime, Bella and I have been exploring dusty back roads and loving it. She's off leash and minding well.
I am hoping next week to hook up with a group of women and their dogs to join them on their weekly early morning hikes. Bella is dog friendly and has already met many of her four-legged Mexican neighbors. There is one particularly scruffy little fellow whom she seems to be most enamored with. Unfortunately, we did not see him anywhere today. Perhaps tomorrow...
Our Internet connection here is quite "iffy," so though I will try to post regularly to fill you in on Baja life, my posts may be erratic.
December 1, 2011
Giving that Final Love—The Compassion Program
My friends tease me how at the mere mention of a sweet dog story, I well up. If I was an actress, this would be my method for bringing on the tears. Yet I can't help it. Dog devotion is powerful.
I came across this story this morning and barely began reading before tearing started. These wonderful people volunteer in a Manhattan animal shelter to be with dogs the night before they are euthanized—to give them a warm touch, walks, treats and love at the end of their lives. My hat goes off to the shelter employees and volunteers who thought up this program and continue it. I don't think I'd be able to do it without crying and further stressing the animals. But oh! I do appreciate the individuals who give this care so freely!
NOTE: And now, more from Bark Magazine (my absolutely favorite read)! This story is about the selfless volunteers who have been entering the evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to remove or feed (if the animals must stay) for the abandoned pets. These are some amazing people!
I came across this story this morning and barely began reading before tearing started. These wonderful people volunteer in a Manhattan animal shelter to be with dogs the night before they are euthanized—to give them a warm touch, walks, treats and love at the end of their lives. My hat goes off to the shelter employees and volunteers who thought up this program and continue it. I don't think I'd be able to do it without crying and further stressing the animals. But oh! I do appreciate the individuals who give this care so freely!
NOTE: And now, more from Bark Magazine (my absolutely favorite read)! This story is about the selfless volunteers who have been entering the evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to remove or feed (if the animals must stay) for the abandoned pets. These are some amazing people!
November 3, 2011
Have You Brought Your Dog to Baja?
This has turned into an ever-changing target and is making me edgy. We're bringing Bella with us to Baja this year and we'll be in Mexico (southern Baja) for a couple of months. Not only do I have a concern about how she'll manage in the heat and with cactus, but with other dogs (native and gringo), poisonous fish and a totally foreign environment. To top that off, the criteria to get her back into the United States seems to be elusive.
Having crossed the border heading south several times before, I know having up-to-date vet records for her is a priority, but not always requested.. She is current on shots and she's healthy, so I don't see that being the problem. I'll have her on flea, tick and heart worm meds, so that takes care of that concern. I have booties for the cactus for her feet, but will have to deal with them if they get elsewhere. I have a muzzle that I'm training her to that should help (but not eliminate) the fish issue. It's getting back across the border into the US that has me guessing.
Some folks say that the same certificates that get us into Mexico will get us home. Others have said I need a certificate signed by a Mexican vet stating that she's healthy and it must be issued no more than seven days before we cross the border. Yesterday, I found a site the said I needed an International Health Certificate (#77-043) and another form called APHIS-7001.
My vet is knowledgeable about crossing the border into Canada, but not about crossing the border into Mexico. Today I called the state vet office (the person I spoke with was pleasant, but knew nothing) who faxed forms to my vet, but said I needed to talk with the federal office (under the FDA). I'm still waiting to hear from them.
Of course, my nightmare is returning home to find a glitch at the border. ...That I'm missing that form. ...That Bella will have to be quarantined. ...That....
Have any of you experienced a border crossing south to north? What has been your experience. Don't be shy; let me know—please!
Having crossed the border heading south several times before, I know having up-to-date vet records for her is a priority, but not always requested.. She is current on shots and she's healthy, so I don't see that being the problem. I'll have her on flea, tick and heart worm meds, so that takes care of that concern. I have booties for the cactus for her feet, but will have to deal with them if they get elsewhere. I have a muzzle that I'm training her to that should help (but not eliminate) the fish issue. It's getting back across the border into the US that has me guessing.
Some folks say that the same certificates that get us into Mexico will get us home. Others have said I need a certificate signed by a Mexican vet stating that she's healthy and it must be issued no more than seven days before we cross the border. Yesterday, I found a site the said I needed an International Health Certificate (#77-043) and another form called APHIS-7001.
My vet is knowledgeable about crossing the border into Canada, but not about crossing the border into Mexico. Today I called the state vet office (the person I spoke with was pleasant, but knew nothing) who faxed forms to my vet, but said I needed to talk with the federal office (under the FDA). I'm still waiting to hear from them.
Of course, my nightmare is returning home to find a glitch at the border. ...That I'm missing that form. ...That Bella will have to be quarantined. ...That....
Have any of you experienced a border crossing south to north? What has been your experience. Don't be shy; let me know—please!
September 22, 2011
Feral Dogs in Japan's Disaster Zone
Disasters evoke mental images thanks to the plethora of pictures with which media bombards us. Hurricane Katrina or Fukushima both bring up immediate mental images of devastation. Usually it's of buildings and people, though sometimes there are shots of animals, bedraggled and confused. An acquaintance was involved in the rescue of displaced family pets for Katrina. This particular Coloradoan traveled many miles to help care for the lost, injured, and orphaned animals. She said it was absolutely heart-wrenching work—and rewarding. In a natural disaster our primary concern is foremost for the people, but we've learned it is also necessary to care for traumatized pets.
It hadn't occurred to me that there still might be loose dogs fending for themselves in Japan's no-entry zone around the Fukushima nuclear plant—that was, until I read an article in the local paper. Though not frequently touched upon by the media, pets also suffered terribly during Japan's disaster—not only from the earthquake and tsunami, but also from the separation from their owners and the new life these pets faced. None were familiar with finding their daily meal or a comfortable, dry, safe place to rest, not to mention the stressful competition from other animals trying to do the same.
What surprised me, however, is that in six months time, some of those pets preferred their isolation to the return of human company to which they had been accustomed. What would cause that behavior? Fear, certainly, but why? The only thing I could think of is perhaps there are people in the area, out of sync with society at large, who were also competing with the dogs for food...or maybe eating the pets themselves. (Ugly thought, I know.) Why else would a pet familiar with people shy away? I can't imagine a dog who has lived a comfortable "indoor" life not trusting a helping hand. Of course there are some dogs who are truly "lost" without their people. (A friend's dog is absolutely beside herself if left with someone else—even someone she knows well—while her owner walks off.)
The article states that puppies born after the tsunami are indeed feral. I understand that. If the parents are scrounging for a living and give birth, the pups know no other life. Yet aren't some of them curious about people? (I just finished reading Steve Duno's book "Last Dog on the Hill." It is a wonderful story about his dog, Lou, who begins life as a feral pup. When a litter of puppies is scrounging on a hill, they see Steve and all high-tail it into the woods, except for Lou who is drawn to Steve...and thus begins his story.)
The article states some pets have been found and taken to a shelter while their owners, still in emergency shelters themselves, await a new residence or return to their own. However, most of these pets had been left leashed in the house when owners were evacuated—and this number is a mere fraction of registered dogs in that area. Baited traps have been a bust. How quickly the dogs have become wary! Heaven forbid we should ever experience such a disaster, but my guess is Bella would be a sucker for a human hand with a handout!
In this same vein, a local training facility in our area is offering a free disaster preparedness class for pet owners. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer. Not only will potential disasters be discussed for our locale (earthquakes), but also how to prepare one's home (with regard to your pet), what to have in a pet disaster kit and where to take your best buddy if you have to leave your home. Incredibly important information for any pet owner to have.
It hadn't occurred to me that there still might be loose dogs fending for themselves in Japan's no-entry zone around the Fukushima nuclear plant—that was, until I read an article in the local paper. Though not frequently touched upon by the media, pets also suffered terribly during Japan's disaster—not only from the earthquake and tsunami, but also from the separation from their owners and the new life these pets faced. None were familiar with finding their daily meal or a comfortable, dry, safe place to rest, not to mention the stressful competition from other animals trying to do the same.
What surprised me, however, is that in six months time, some of those pets preferred their isolation to the return of human company to which they had been accustomed. What would cause that behavior? Fear, certainly, but why? The only thing I could think of is perhaps there are people in the area, out of sync with society at large, who were also competing with the dogs for food...or maybe eating the pets themselves. (Ugly thought, I know.) Why else would a pet familiar with people shy away? I can't imagine a dog who has lived a comfortable "indoor" life not trusting a helping hand. Of course there are some dogs who are truly "lost" without their people. (A friend's dog is absolutely beside herself if left with someone else—even someone she knows well—while her owner walks off.)
The article states that puppies born after the tsunami are indeed feral. I understand that. If the parents are scrounging for a living and give birth, the pups know no other life. Yet aren't some of them curious about people? (I just finished reading Steve Duno's book "Last Dog on the Hill." It is a wonderful story about his dog, Lou, who begins life as a feral pup. When a litter of puppies is scrounging on a hill, they see Steve and all high-tail it into the woods, except for Lou who is drawn to Steve...and thus begins his story.)
The article states some pets have been found and taken to a shelter while their owners, still in emergency shelters themselves, await a new residence or return to their own. However, most of these pets had been left leashed in the house when owners were evacuated—and this number is a mere fraction of registered dogs in that area. Baited traps have been a bust. How quickly the dogs have become wary! Heaven forbid we should ever experience such a disaster, but my guess is Bella would be a sucker for a human hand with a handout!
In this same vein, a local training facility in our area is offering a free disaster preparedness class for pet owners. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer. Not only will potential disasters be discussed for our locale (earthquakes), but also how to prepare one's home (with regard to your pet), what to have in a pet disaster kit and where to take your best buddy if you have to leave your home. Incredibly important information for any pet owner to have.
July 29, 2011
Flying your Pup
If you been following this blog, you know my reticence for flying Bella. Well, I just found this article in our paper regarding a survey taken by PetFinder. Pet Airways seems to be a winner, though they still don't come to my city! I'm surprised Alaska Airlines didn't get named as they are the "Iditarod" airlines. I wish the article would post the survey questions and compilation rather than just the results. I'm curious what questions they asked. PetFinder's article can be found here where you'll see several other links that help in your decision-making should flying your pet be in your future.
Am I thinking about flying Bella? Nope. But it's nice to see airlines being rated.Our local paper also had an article on tips for traveling with pets. However, the author, Michelle Higgins, with The New York Times, states what all pet owners fear the most:
Whether or not this is a small percentage makes no difference to me. I would rather keep Bella in my sights. This is the only time I wish she was small enough to be in an on-board carrier in the passenger compartment!
Am I thinking about flying Bella? Nope. But it's nice to see airlines being rated.Our local paper also had an article on tips for traveling with pets. However, the author, Michelle Higgins, with The New York Times, states what all pet owners fear the most:
"Meanwhile, pet safety has become a more pressing issue. Incidents of animals being lost, injured or dying have recently risen. Thirty-nine animals died while flying aboard commercial jets in the United States last year, compared with 22 in 2009, according to the Department of Transportation. Thirteen were injured and five were lost. Delta was responsible for a significant portion of the increase, with 16 deaths and six injuries in 2010, compared with three deaths and no injuries the previous year."
Whether or not this is a small percentage makes no difference to me. I would rather keep Bella in my sights. This is the only time I wish she was small enough to be in an on-board carrier in the passenger compartment!
March 30, 2011
Local Community Takes Action
The local area in Baja Sur where dogs have been poisoned eating sea creatures is taking action. This just posted on their local bulletin board:
Beach Clean Up for the Dogs!
Hurry, you can still make it here for 8 am.
Over the past two weeks there have been over 20 deaths in La Ventana pets from eating slugs on the beach that sometimes lay in seaweed. After ingestion, dogs will die after 15 to 20 min.
Please help us in a beach clean up today. We are meeting at Playa Central and ask you to bring a rake and trash bags.
Beach Clean Up for the dogs begins at 8 am, lead by Britney & Vivien, who have recently lost very special pets. We will appreciate your participation, see you here.
March 28, 2011
Update on Dog Poisonings in Baja
I just received this update via email. I spoke about my concern with dog poisoning in Baja here and here. Below is the latest news:
Update on poisoning of dogsAs previously reported there have been fatalities in dogs this season in the El Sargento / La Ventana area. It was suspected that the dogs had ingested a poisonous substance. Based on presenting signs and the progression of those signs a substance called tetrodotoxin which is commonly found in puffer fish was suggested. The problem was that no one had seen their dog chewing on a puffer fish. A new event has now occurred in the last 48 hours which seems to elucidate the problem more clearly. A group of 6 young dogs were taken to the beach around 7:00 AM. The person that was with them observed them chewing on dead sea slugs that had washed up on the beach recently following several days of high wind and waves. The slugs were taken away from the dogs, their mouths rinsed with sea water and all the dogs were removed from the beach. Approximately 3 hours later all the dogs but one were showing signs of toxicity (salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, intense abdominal pain). All the dogs were taken to a veterinarian in La Paz. At this time 4 of the dogs have died, one is still being treated and one showed only very mild signs and is doing well.
An internet search reveals that sea slugs can sometimes have very high levels of tetrodotoxin in their skin (the same toxin is present in puffer fish and a number of other marine animals) and there are known cases of fatality in dogs from sea slug exposure in other parts of the world.
The toxin is very potent that even small amounts can be fatal. Dogs should not be allowed to chew on any marine animals on the beach.More information can be found in the following link.
It just goes back to the same old rule that you have to watch your dog closely and monitor what is in their mouth. Easier said then done. Lots of people bring their dogs down and only a fraction of them lose them to this horrible death. None-the-less, Ms. Inmymouthfasterthanaspeedingbullet will not have off leash access on the beach!
February 7, 2011
Follow-Up on Poisoning of Dogs in Baja Community
There is a daily email message board service for those connected with the Baja community where I stayed. It's general news regarding some restaurant menus, free concerts or art fairs, lost and found, things for sale, etc. Usually the news is a collection of odds and ends submitted by the readers and local businesses, but occasionally something really important comes through. That was the case today. There was a short article about the recent rash of dog poisonings.
For those of you who read this blog, you are aware that this was a concern of mine and one of my reason for not bringing Bella on this trip. While I was down there, I asked people what they knew about the poisonings and received very vague responses—"Well, I heard..." So was it an issue or not?
Most people who brought their dogs, even if leashed elsewhere, let them run loose on the beach figuring it was a "contained" space and therefore safe. I can't tell you the number of dogs I saw eating dead fish and fish skeletons. I was pretty surprised at this. From living in the Northwest, I am aware that a dead salmon can be highly toxic to a dog if eaten. My sister-in-law nearly lost her border collie under these circumstances. Plus, I don't know—are fish skeletons safe? The fish were big, therefore so where the bones, but does this make them less risky?
I've posted the story from the email below. It seems that the dogs may have consumed dead puffer fish. They refer to this website for the bulk of their information. The toxicity from puffer fish is devastating: paralysis, respiratory failure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and death. Bottom line—don't let you dog eat things if you don't know how it will effect him or her!
For those of you who read this blog, you are aware that this was a concern of mine and one of my reason for not bringing Bella on this trip. While I was down there, I asked people what they knew about the poisonings and received very vague responses—"Well, I heard..." So was it an issue or not?
Most people who brought their dogs, even if leashed elsewhere, let them run loose on the beach figuring it was a "contained" space and therefore safe. I can't tell you the number of dogs I saw eating dead fish and fish skeletons. I was pretty surprised at this. From living in the Northwest, I am aware that a dead salmon can be highly toxic to a dog if eaten. My sister-in-law nearly lost her border collie under these circumstances. Plus, I don't know—are fish skeletons safe? The fish were big, therefore so where the bones, but does this make them less risky?
I've posted the story from the email below. It seems that the dogs may have consumed dead puffer fish. They refer to this website for the bulk of their information. The toxicity from puffer fish is devastating: paralysis, respiratory failure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and death. Bottom line—don't let you dog eat things if you don't know how it will effect him or her!
Dog Deaths/Poisonings LocallyThere have been several "mysterious" deaths/poisonings of dogs this year in the La Ventana/El Sargento area. Initially, there was much talk of these being intentional; a sinister thought in what we know as paradise. A recent case was caught early, the dog's symptoms closely observed, and with supportive care seems to be on the route to survival, although is not "out of the cactuses" yet. The "parents" however may not survive after being up 24/7 for 5 days trying to keep the dog sedated, restained with IVs, cleaning up vomit, bloody diarrhea and urine.The good news coming from 5 days of intensive care and observation is that the toxidrome appears to be that of puffer fish poisoning and is unlikely to be malicious. The bad news is that these toxic puffer fish are dead in masses on the beach, an unfortunate bicatch casualty from the shrimp boats, now making unsuspecting dogs part of the environmental shrimping disaster.
It is most prudent therefore to keep your pets close by and closely observed whether near the beach or in the desert. A local [individual] states that the farmers use the livers of puffer fish as a cheap poison for pest control.
January 23, 2011
Baja Dogs
I need to take pictures, but never seem to have my camera when I want it. The dogs here are interesting. Every once and a while you see a purebred, but my guess is it belongs to a gringo. Most of the dogs are short-furred, with upright tails and pointy snouts. All have fleas. None are overweight, though some are quite skinny. The legs tend to be shorter than looks normal for the length of the body, so one wonders. Who has the dachshund that added this character trait?
The male dogs are not castrated. It isn't part of the local, dog-owning mentality and is no different than the consciousness I recall in the U.S. in the '50s. Female puppies, supposedly, are not desired. People feel they do not make good guard dogs. Although almost all homes have wire fences to keep out whomever or whatever, not all dogs are fenced. In fact, very few seem to be confined.
Like male puppies, no one would pay to spay the females. As females mean more puppies (because none of the males are neutered and most dogs run loose), no one wants them. The end result is many female pups are dumped in the arroyos to die. Problem of puppy proliferation solved.
It's ghastly. In the weeks that I've been here, I can't tell you how many gringas have been toting around a female pup to see if any other foreigner would like to bring one home. I've been sorely tempted, because some of the pups are adorable...and what puppy isn't? But of course, that can't happen. We just don't have space for more than one dog. None-the-less, it's great that some dedicated people who live here over several months of the year are making the effort to re-home them. There is a resort/shop called Baja Joe's that has set up a connection between people willing to foster and puppies. They advertise via an internet forum and local grape vine. They want Canadians and Americans to get the dog out of here, because staying isn't an option.
Love your pup today. Let her know how lucky she is to be living with you.
The male dogs are not castrated. It isn't part of the local, dog-owning mentality and is no different than the consciousness I recall in the U.S. in the '50s. Female puppies, supposedly, are not desired. People feel they do not make good guard dogs. Although almost all homes have wire fences to keep out whomever or whatever, not all dogs are fenced. In fact, very few seem to be confined.
Like male puppies, no one would pay to spay the females. As females mean more puppies (because none of the males are neutered and most dogs run loose), no one wants them. The end result is many female pups are dumped in the arroyos to die. Problem of puppy proliferation solved.
It's ghastly. In the weeks that I've been here, I can't tell you how many gringas have been toting around a female pup to see if any other foreigner would like to bring one home. I've been sorely tempted, because some of the pups are adorable...and what puppy isn't? But of course, that can't happen. We just don't have space for more than one dog. None-the-less, it's great that some dedicated people who live here over several months of the year are making the effort to re-home them. There is a resort/shop called Baja Joe's that has set up a connection between people willing to foster and puppies. They advertise via an internet forum and local grape vine. They want Canadians and Americans to get the dog out of here, because staying isn't an option.
Love your pup today. Let her know how lucky she is to be living with you.
January 1, 2011
Tough Choice
I had a chance for an extended trip down the Baja peninsula and grabbed it, but not without first agonizing about Bella. I am driving down and flying back and didn't want to fly her. She could have come back later in a car, but no one can take the same care of your pup as you, so that was also out. Also, many of the locals put out poison for the rats and feral cats and dogs. Bella would scoop up some tasty, laced morsel and swallow it faster than I could yell, "Out!" I'd be a wreck watching her 24/7 which of course is impossible to do. What about when I'm biking in a group, taking a yoga class, attempting stand-up paddle boarding? Nope. I just didn't see a way to make it work.
So as I type this in San Diego, I am going through serious Bella-withdrawal. She's staying with in-laws and her sister from a previous litter and her favorite 15-year old boy. The family called this morning to say she is terrified of fire crackers. I guess they took the two dogs down to their dock to light off fire crackers on New Year's Eve. Bella has never showed fear of the "pop," but she also has never been so closely exposed. She spent the night in my sister-in-law's lap...all 60 pounds of dog...and the rest of night quivering in their bathroom. My heart breaks for her. I would not have taken her so close to the action right away, but would have started her in the back yard to gauge her reaction. But I wasn't there, I was in the Angeles National Forest. My girl. Well, the dye is set. Fourth of July isn't in her/our cards.
My nephew, at whose house I'm staying, has two large German Shepherds. I'm getting my dog fix, if not MY dog fix. My fingers are crossed she remains safe over the next several weeks. I know she is happy where she is, but still I worry. What a complicated decision it was to leave!
So as I type this in San Diego, I am going through serious Bella-withdrawal. She's staying with in-laws and her sister from a previous litter and her favorite 15-year old boy. The family called this morning to say she is terrified of fire crackers. I guess they took the two dogs down to their dock to light off fire crackers on New Year's Eve. Bella has never showed fear of the "pop," but she also has never been so closely exposed. She spent the night in my sister-in-law's lap...all 60 pounds of dog...and the rest of night quivering in their bathroom. My heart breaks for her. I would not have taken her so close to the action right away, but would have started her in the back yard to gauge her reaction. But I wasn't there, I was in the Angeles National Forest. My girl. Well, the dye is set. Fourth of July isn't in her/our cards.
My nephew, at whose house I'm staying, has two large German Shepherds. I'm getting my dog fix, if not MY dog fix. My fingers are crossed she remains safe over the next several weeks. I know she is happy where she is, but still I worry. What a complicated decision it was to leave!
December 5, 2010
Baja and Dogs
We have talked, and sometimes, more than talked, about bringing Bella to Baja with us. We successfully journeyed there with Lucy, so you'd think I wouldn't be hesitant. Yet more knowledge has made me infinitely more wary. My initial resistance was flying her home with me. I have never flown a dog and read horror stories I don't want to experience. I know people fly dogs all the time, but they aren't me and their dog isn't mine.
The second conundrum is managing her there. Many of the Mexican dogs run loose and rarely are spade or neutered. Many are feral. Shots are not the norm, so disease and infections are common. The local dogs pack up creating dog "gangs." Although Bella has great doggie communication skills, can she speak "Baja Dog?" I don't know and I'd hate to find out that she couldn't. If she was attacked, although Bella has shots, I don't know what other diseases the local dogs may have that she could contract. Dealing with a Mexican vet, if I could find one, would be difficult with my limited Spanish.
Because the locals don't like the feral dogs scrounging around their property, they lay out poison. Bella eats anything and everything. Even if she's on a leash, she can grab and swallow something faster than I can say, "Out!" and expect her to drop it.
A friend, who spends his winters in Baja, called this morning to let us know he'd arrived safely and then proceeded to tell us there was a dead dog in front of their house when they arrived. The dog was a victim of poisoning. The owner couldn't get there until later in the day which meant the dog lay in the sun (there are no trees in this area) until he arrived. When he finally appeared, he attached a rope from his truck to the dog and dragged the dog off. That was it. I had to get off the phone.
If I brought Bella with us, I would be a nervous wreck. I could never let her off leash. I'd constantly be fretting about her safety. I doubt she'll ever make it south of the border.
The second conundrum is managing her there. Many of the Mexican dogs run loose and rarely are spade or neutered. Many are feral. Shots are not the norm, so disease and infections are common. The local dogs pack up creating dog "gangs." Although Bella has great doggie communication skills, can she speak "Baja Dog?" I don't know and I'd hate to find out that she couldn't. If she was attacked, although Bella has shots, I don't know what other diseases the local dogs may have that she could contract. Dealing with a Mexican vet, if I could find one, would be difficult with my limited Spanish.
Because the locals don't like the feral dogs scrounging around their property, they lay out poison. Bella eats anything and everything. Even if she's on a leash, she can grab and swallow something faster than I can say, "Out!" and expect her to drop it.
A friend, who spends his winters in Baja, called this morning to let us know he'd arrived safely and then proceeded to tell us there was a dead dog in front of their house when they arrived. The dog was a victim of poisoning. The owner couldn't get there until later in the day which meant the dog lay in the sun (there are no trees in this area) until he arrived. When he finally appeared, he attached a rope from his truck to the dog and dragged the dog off. That was it. I had to get off the phone.
If I brought Bella with us, I would be a nervous wreck. I could never let her off leash. I'd constantly be fretting about her safety. I doubt she'll ever make it south of the border.
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