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Originally Posted by FlDebra  Same here in FL -- just too many dangers for mine to ever be out without me there. We have a pool. Birds of prey are many. We have snakes, several poisonous types seen often on our property (diamond back rattler, pigmy rattler, water moccosin, cottonmouth, copperhead), cow killer ants, fire ants, scorpion, coyote, bobcats, wild boar, and although I know of only one incidence, there was a small black bear on our road (probably wandered in from nearby Eglin where they are plentiful), not to mention the heat if somehow theywere to get themselves stuck outside. I am sure I am missing some other dangers but needless to say -- just way too many risks for a little yorkie to be outside without supervision.
The doggie doors sure seem to be a great convenience though. Just can't take advantage of them here. I would also worry about theft from reading news reports & some experiences here on Yorkietalk. Sad that is the case, but too many getting snatched. |
Yes, the snakes too! We have rattlers and all kinds of snakes here as well. And the fire ants, scorpions, brown recluse, javelina. Very similar to what you have.
We have a pool too, and our kiddos always have done so well with it (ie, safe). Then, one day I was out back with them - and our exterminator came for the regular spray you have to do in AZ. So, I was inside signing the billing, and had left the doggies out back for just a minute. After I signed, I looked out through our back patio door and saw ripples in the pool. Marcel had somehow fallen into the pool! He and Wylie always do their 'jogging laps' around the pool deck - and I think they just ran into each other and Marcel fell in.
I fled outside to get him, and he was fine (I was much worse than he was)...but that's all it takes for something to happen....less than a minute, and an environment that makes them vulnerable.
Sure learned that lesson. It did motivate me to buy that 'critter ramp' or whatever that's called, for the pool - just in case anything ever falls in there (mouse, lizard, pet....although it won't be my pet anymore!).