Meika is gone, I am beyond devastated

[wemple2]

I know every different local has their own dangers...but to hear these toads were brought here on purpose is disturbing. The danger seems to far out-weigh any benefits.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by Verbena

I read a lot about this toad after you wrote about this. He is a few ways of getting rid of them

Trap and Eliminate Bufo Marinus Toads | For The Love of My Dogs


I am sorry that this happen and I hope that everyone takes notice and learns from this tragedy. I hugged Galen a little closer. I also send lots of hugs and puppy kisses to you and your pack during this sad time.

Oh yeh, I read that too. I took the least humane way of killing the toad.... pouring bleach in the bucket. Can't imagine anyone actually numbing one and putting it in their freezer for 3 days, can you?

Thanks for your support, we are still somewhat in shock and adjusting day by day, but we will feel better again eventually.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by yorkiefan_

I think bufo and toad are redundant; I think bufo just means toad. But everything about Sandy's description screams bufo marinus. Huge toad, big poison glands, and then the location. I remember as a kid in school learning about the super toxic toads in the Amazon that were used to poison arrow-heads and such, and then come to find out that exact toad is in the US.

It definitely was, as it had those long ridges/glands behind it's ears where the poison is expelled. I looked it over pretty well in the bucket after it was dead and was going to take a picture, but it grossed me out. I hate that killer thing! But it looks just like the pictures in articles.

At least there is one less killer in my yard tonight, and that is a good thing.

[kjc]

I used to work with Poison Dart Frogs at the National Aquarium. Once they lived here for a month they were no longer toxic. Their toxin came from the poisonous ants that were their diet in their natural habitat. Don't think it's the same with these toads, wish it was.

There's also a Bufo toad native to Maryland, but it's much less toxic, but I guess it depends on the size of the dog or cat too, as to how much damage can occur.

A lot of mistakes were made in the 30's and 40's with transporting and introducing non native species where they weren't meant to be. That's part of why the oyster population has been destroyed in the Chesapeake Bay.

[Maximo]

Glad to hear you caught the toad.

Continuing to pray for you and your girls. Thinking especially of Tiki, who lost her primary playmate. Having only 2 myself, I worry about the day that one will have to adjust to life without the other.

[theporkieyorkie]

I am just catching this and I am so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of one of your little ones.

Wow...I'd heard of the Cane toads, but never the Bufo until just now, but when I googled just the name of the toad, there were tons of links to articles about dogs getting poisoned. Yet one more invasive species problem...and it sounds like its a big problem in terms of other animals. We've got such little guys to begin with. I am sure they don't stand a chance against these nasty toads!!

[wemple2]

Hugs Sandy, I know you're still hurting.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Glad to hear you caught the toad.

Continuing to pray for you and your girls. Thinking especially of Tiki, who lost her primary playmate. Having only 2 myself, I worry about the day that one will have to adjust to life without the other.

Tiki was just 3 months older than Meika, so a natural pair. The other 2 little sisters came along a year later and of course have never been apart since birth. They are not as adventurous as Tiki & Meika, but I hope they will get closer to Tiki. Meika got along with all 3 perfectly well, she loved everybody.

Having 3 is sort of an odd number, but I am going to resist getting another for a while.

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by wemple2

Hugs Sandy, I know you're still hurting.

Thanks Kathy. It has been hard, but I am gradually working my way out of the dark hole of sadness. My other 3 furgirls are a great comfort, and loving all the extra cuddling and kissin these days.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Just checking on you, Sandy, and hope that you are doing a little better. Kiss those 3 furries and hold them close! We're thinking of you. ♥

[MauiGirl]

Thanks for thinking of us Jeanie. The 3 pups and I are doing ok, adjusting to our loss day by day. Most days are ok, and others not so much when miss our silly Meika. Thank God I still have the 3, or I would really be lost.

[kjc]

Hi. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers.... Hugs, Kathy

[tutters]

I'm so very, very sorry. I had to put my 16 year old Jake to sleep Wednesday, and I am so sad I can barely function. Your baby had a wonderful Mom, and I am so sorry for this accident. Meika and Jake are racing each other at Rainbow Bridge, aren't they?

[MauiGirl]

It has only been 3 weeks, and I'm still missing my lil smiley face girl. I hope to get her ashes back soon have a memorial of some sort made.

We are adjusting, and Tiki has become my closest companion and play buddy. Her 6th birthday was 3 days ago, and I took her on a beach walk. She did so good we did it again today, and will make it a regular thing.

Still healing one day at a time.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

It has only been 3 weeks, and I'm still missing my lil smiley face girl. I hope to get her ashes back soon have a memorial of some sort made.

We are adjusting, and Tiki has become my closest companion and play buddy. Her 6th birthday was 3 days ago, and I took her on a beach walk. She did so good we did it again today, and will make it a regular thing.

Still healing one day at a time.

I am happy to hear that you and Tiki enjoyed your beach walk and that you are helping each other adjust. You remain in my prayers for comfort.