I recently found out about the hawks, owls, and coyotes, in my neck of the wood (southern california just north of San Diego county). I had a 3 lb. yorkie that I used to let out back to go potty, and never had a thought or a problem. I have a fenced in yard with a gate and have people on either side of me and behind me. But upon talking to an acquaintance, she warned me about the hawks and owls, etc. and told me horror story after horror story of how the hawks swoop down, and even with a little one on a leash managed to rip the leash out of the hand of the baby's momma, and flew off with it. I was so hysterical I could hardly think straight. Since my baby Merlin went to rainbow bridge, I have two other baby girls, both two lbs full grown, and I was just beside myself. It must have been dumb luck with Merlin, but I was not ready to take any chances with my baby girls. Since then I have bought a very strong dog run with a metal top and locking gate. It is 6'W by 9'L by 6'H. I take them out there in their stroller to the locked enclosed area to go potty. I will never allow them to run free out back again. I'm like, terrified now. I can't believe how lucky I was with Merlin. That exercize pen or dog run or whatever you want to call it cost me a small fortune because I wanted something very very strong that could withstand just about anything, but I saw quite a few options at petsmart that might have cost me less if I had waited before ordering. Still, I'm not sorry I bought it. At least I feel safe and secure. Anyway, how very very scary. Good luck to you all. Try to protect your babies as much as you can. I can't believe I never knew about this!!!!!! |