Epic Battle at Cherry Beach (Charlie, Bear, Cooper and Hudson)
Posts tagged ‘Rover Achiever’
Jun 13
Holy Coyote
Billie!
Last month I visited a park by the Humber river where I heard a strange ‘dog’ barking at my group as we all played off leash. This dog had a high pitch bark, mixed in with some howling. While he wouldn’t get that close to us, he also wouldn’t let up. He sounded distressed. We put all the dogs on leash and I held them while Emma went to find this dog. I also called Toronto Animal Services (TAS) to report a lost dog or to find out if anyone reported a dog missing at this park. Emma was never able to get close to him. Today I was back there with my group and we were having fun, when I heard this yip yip yip followed by a howl. This time I was able to get a closer look. He was not a lost dog but in fact a young coyote. I have no idea what his intentions were – whether he wanted to play with my dogs, protect his territory or draw one of them to his den. As soon as I leashed my dogs I took a moment to stand and stare at him in awe. Face to face with this amazing animal he really looked like he could of been part of my pack. After I left I called TAS again but was disappointed to hear that no one else has had interaction with him meanwhile I’ve now seen him twice! Then I called another dog walker, who I’d seen frequent the park occasionally and warned her. She confirmed that sighting and told me that 3 weeks ago she also had an interaction with this ballsy little guy. He approaches the dogs, barks at them, entices them and then retreats. Amazing, exhilarating and frightening all in the same breath. Dog walking…certainly not just an average day job.
I’m now updating this post to mention that toronto animal services has confirmed that they found this coyote dead recently. I wish I knew what happened to him.
Kongsicles
Kongsicles
Kongsicle definition: A kong stuffed with moist goodies and put in the freezer. A useful way to feed your dog while keeping him entertained for hours.
My dogs absolutely love them. It takes me about 7 min to make them in the morning, and then they go in the freezer for a couple of hours. It’s so worth it. I actually make them while the coffee is brewing. Coffee is my reward after I make the kongs (a little positive reinforcement my way).
Kongsicles keep my dogs busy for hours and hours. You can fill them with lots of healthy goodies – wet food, brown rice, eggs, kibble, nut butters, fruits and veggies, even my left over smoothies. If you have high-energy dogs like me -they are cheaper than buying bones and toys.
Once I started making them, I was hooked. Not only because I saw how much my dogs enjoyed them but more so because if I didn’t make them, I’d have to see a very disappointed puggle standing with his face planted against the freezer door. There are some things that are worth being committed to doing for your dogs and this is one of them.
A graduate from my Tricks class at When Hounds Fly….
Practicing her tricks and having fun with her dog….I love it!!!
