Saying goodbye to our furry family members...

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I am a fairly private person but I know how many of you share my love of dogs so I wanted to share with you my experience this week in the hopes of finding a way to cope with it.

Last Thursday morning one of my dogs went missing. I live on a 125 acre farm and my dogs have full run of the property. They always just run and play together and come in and out of the house as they please.

I was heading to bed at about 4 a.m. and let them all out for a quick pee. I brushed my teeth and went to get them back in. They were all at the door except one. I spent the entire night and next couple of days searching for him. By the weekend I started assuming the worst. I live in a very wooded area with coyotes and wolves abound and thought he had probably come across a pack.

Sunday morning there is a knock at the door and one of my neighbors said that one of my dogs was lying at the end of my driveway. We went rushing down to get him. He had been shot. He had a bullet hole in his side and was dead. Words can not even begin to describe how shocked and devastated I was.

Things just seemed very odd. It had been pouring with rain all morning and I realized he was completely dry. As a result of all the rain and flooding, our entire neighborhood was a mud pit....he didn't have a drop of mud on him....his paws were spotless. It started becoming very obvious that he was dumped at the end of our driveway.

What kind of sick person does that?

I live in a very secluded area. When I use the term 'neighbors' I'm referring to someone who lives 60 acres over.....I don't even know anyone's name in this town.

Why did this happen?

I'll spare you the details of all of the thoughts that have been running through my head for days.

Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there.

On Tuesday, one of my other dogs collapsed and died instantly. She was in the kitchen with me and just fell over. I went to her immediately and she wasn't breathing. I attempted CPR, although I didn't really know what I was doing. Peanut was a 5 pound, 14 year old, tea cup poodle and I know she was getting old. There just wasn't any indication that anything was wrong.

The loss of both of them has left me completely numb. My other three dogs have been affected by all of this and I have been focusing on them, which is the only thing keeping me sane at the moment.

Thank you.....I have been unable to talk about it because I just cry...being able to write this has been helpful.

I hope Belvedere and Peanut are at peace and cuddling together somewhere.
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    I feel so sorry for you - losing a pet is devastating. It's bad when they die of age after a long, good life - but to find one dead from a shot would be horrid. Losing two good friends in such a short time is a heavy blow.

    Could he have been mistaken for a wolf or coyote and shot by accident? Wondering it if happened and the person learned it was your dog. There's really no logical explanation is there? On that many acres, you'd think they'd be safe.

    kay
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

      I feel so sorry for you - losing a pet is devastating. It's bad when they die of age after a long, good life - but to find one dead from a shot would be horrid. Losing two good friends in such a short time is a heavy blow.

      Could he have been mistaken for a wolf or coyote and shot by accident? Wondering it if happened and the person learned it was your dog. There's really no logical explanation is there? On that many acres, you'd think they'd be safe.

      kay
      Thanks Kay.

      I have considered that it may have been a hunter. I'm just not sure how anyone would know he belonged to me.

      I'll likely never know what happened and just hope I can come to terms with it one day.

      I just miss him so much and can't stop thinking about him being alone when he died. I have had many animals over the years and they have all lived long, healthy lives and I have always been with them when they died. I am always devastated and cry for days but am able to be at peace with it. This time I just can't seem to let go of the anger and pain.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Jacqueline, I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. That really sucks.

    If your dog that was shot was roaming onto a neighbors property it's possible they shot him. Because someone knew where to leave the dog makes me wonder about that. They might not have wanted your dog on their property, or maybe it was after someone's livestock or something? I used to live in the country and one of my neighbors killed two dogs that had attacked and killed one of his calves days earlier and were back again.

    Just speculating on some possibilities because you asked why ... if that was one of those rhetorical "why's" and I'm doing the dumb man thing by trying to answer it, sorry about that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Sorry to hear about your losses, that sucks.

      If your dog that was shot was roaming onto a neighbors property it's possible they shot him. Because someone knew where to leave the dog makes me wonder about that. They might not have wanted your dog on their property, or maybe it was after someone's livestock or something? I used to live in the country and one of my neighbors killed two dogs who had attacked and killed one of his calves days earlier and were back again.

      Just speculating on some possibilities because you asked why ... if that was one of those rhetorical "why's" and I'm doing the dumb man thing by trying to answer it, sorry about that.
      Thanks Dennis.

      No, my 'why' was not rhetorical and you're not doing the dumb man thing.

      One of my 'neighbors' does have cattle but they live so far away and my dogs never leave our property.....and he wasn't left on my driveway until 3 days later.

      However....anything is possible.

      Actually, asking why is probably somewhat rhetorical.....but, maybe if you guys are thinking about it then I won't have to so much....any relief at this point is more than welcome.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Jacqueline, I don't even have the words to convey how sorry I am for your losses. I'm devastated for you.

    I'd recommend reporting this to the police just to have it on record. My concern is that there could be a connection between the two.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Jacqueline, I don't even the words to convey how sorry I am for your losses. I'm devastated for you.

      I'd recommend reporting this to the police just to have it on record. My concern is that there could be a connection between the two.
      Thanks Dan.

      We did report it to the police and the local animal shelter. They are investigating but I'm not expecting anything to come of it.

      I share your concern that the two deaths are related. Something just doesn't feel right to me.

      One of my other dogs went missing for about an hour the day after Belvedere went missing. She's 14 years old and never goes more than a few feet from the house. I was getting something out of my car and turned around and she was gone. She had been sitting right next to the car. I immediately started searching and couldn't find her anywhere. About an hour later my husband called me while I was in the woods looking for her and said she was home....he had no idea where she had come from....she just showed up. It was all so very strange.

      And....

      The night Peanut died, one of my other dogs came in from her nightly pee break and started vomiting profusely. It got so bad I was preparing to take her to the emergency vet clinic. She suddenly stopped, had some water and went to bed.

      All just coincidence? Maybe. But...it has definitely got my mind reeling.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post

        The night Peanut died, one of my other dogs came in from her nightly pee break and started vomiting profusely. It got so bad I was preparing to take her to the emergency vet clinic. She suddenly stopped, had some water and went to bed.

        All just coincidence? Maybe. But...it has definitely got my mind reeling.
        I would make a thorough search of their usual stomping grounds to look for things they may be eating. Either a natural poison or something someone may have placed there. It could be just a coincidence, but if not, you might be able to find something to solve the mystery.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
          Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

          I would make a thorough search of their usual stomping grounds to look for things they may be eating. Either a natural poison or something someone may have placed there. It could be just a coincidence, but if not, you might be able to find something to solve the mystery.
          I've searched the property as best as I can for anything that might be poisonous. Unfortunately, 125 wooded acres makes it impossible for me to be sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Hi Jacqueline,

    I wish there was a way I could help you feel better, I just don't know how other than I share your feelings for dogs and can feel your pain.

    I can only suggest you focus on keeping your other dogs safe. I hate to say this, but they may still be in danger.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      Hi Jacqueline,

      I wish there was a way I could help you feel better, I just don't know how other than I share your feelings for dogs and can feel your pain.

      I can only suggest you focus on keeping your other dogs safe. I hate to say this, but they may still be in danger.
      Thanks Kurt.

      Glad I'm not the only paranoid one! My other dogs are never out of my sight. I think it's driving them a bit nuts at the moment as they normally have so much freedom.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kurt
        Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post

        Thanks Kurt.

        Glad I'm not the only paranoid one! My other dogs are never out of my sight. I think it's driving them a bit nuts at the moment as they normally have so much freedom.
        For much of my adult life, I told myself, "When I get a rottweiler no one better mess with me or my rottie will kick their butt!"

        The day I got my rottie as a puppy, I started telling myself, "No one better mess with my rottie or I'll kick their butt!"

        I know what it's like to be protective of your dogs.
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    Hugs. What an utterly horrible thing to encounter.

    The vomiting sounds like poison. Can't believe how horrible people can be.

    Lots of good wishes to you and yours. When I've lost my companion animals, it helped to read the other stories at Rainbow Bridge - A PetLoss Grief Support Community. Pet Bereavement and Memorial support for coping with the death of a loving fur baby. . They never leave our hearts.

    Hugs!
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post

    Sunday morning there is a knock at the door and one of my neighbors said that one of my dogs was lying at the end of my driveway. We went rushing down to get him. He had been shot. He had a bullet hole in his side and was dead. Words can not even begin to describe how shocked and devastated I was.

    Things just seemed very odd. It had been pouring with rain all morning and I realized he was completely dry. As a result of all the rain and flooding, our entire neighborhood was a mud pit....he didn't have a drop of mud on him....his paws were spotless. It started becoming very obvious that he was dumped at the end of our driveway.

    What kind of sick person does that?
    Very sorry to hear about your loss. That's got to be hard to deal with. It sounds to me like a neighbor has shot and possibly poisoned your dogs. It may be your dogs go off your property onto neighboring property and they don't want them there. It could be a livestock issue.

    For their own safety, I would not allow my dogs to wander the entire property any longer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Very sorry to hear about your loss. That's got to be hard to deal with. It sounds to me like a neighbor has shot and possibly poisoned your dogs. It may be your dogs go off your property onto neighboring property and they don't want them there. It could be a livestock issue.

      For their own safety, I would not allow my dogs to wander the entire property any longer.
      Thanks Suzanne.

      Wandering unsupervised is no longer allowed around here! One of the reasons I moved to such a large property was because of the dogs. However, I'm not taking any chances....they're stuck with me all the time now!
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  • Profile picture of the author serryjw
    Jacqueline, Like everyone else, I am devastated by the lose of 2 of your babies. Spend as much time as you can with the remaining 3. Talk to them as they also are grieving. You all need each other now.
    Namaste,
    Serry
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    Words can't really express how shocking and tragic this is, especially adding in the element of fear. It just seems so shallow to say something trite like 'time heals all wounds' - but yet that is about the best I can do other than to say how sorry I am this happened to your little family.

    God bless you and help you get through this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Thank you Serry and Patricia......I truly appreciate your kind words.
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    As a dog lover, I too am sorry for your loss.

    In some parts of the USA, it is legal to
    shoot an off leash dog is it is harassing that
    property owner's livestock. Many people are
    just mean about stray dogs, or afraid of the
    unknown character of the dog.

    My thinking is that the dog that was shot was
    returned to your property by someone who did
    not shoot the dog. Maybe another neighbor,
    or the spouse/son/daughter of the shooter (and
    that's why they silently dropped it off).

    I used to go to an off leash dog park and part
    of it was unfenced. One of the other pet owners
    had some hunting breed dogs that she let run
    in the unfenced part. She successfully used radio
    collars to keep them closer - but they still had
    quite a lot of freedom to roam.

    Dan
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

      As a dog lover, I too am sorry for your loss.

      My thinking is that the dog that was shot was
      returned to your property by someone who did
      not shoot the dog. Maybe another neighbor,
      or the spouse/son/daughter of the shooter (and
      that's why they silently dropped it off).

      Dan
      Thanks Dan.

      My son said the exact same thing about Belvedere being returned by someone who knew about the shooting and had a heart.

      As horrific as the situation is, I am glad we got him back so we could say goodbye.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Jacqueline,

    I don't know how you feel about invisible fences, but I just thought I'd mention it in case you hadn't thought of it. It would be a way to let your dogs run without having to tie them out or constantly watch them.

    More than a dog fence, it's freedom & safety - Invisible Fence® Brand

    There are other brands too, I'm not recommending this one, it's just the first one I found.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      Jacqueline,

      I don't know how you feel about invisible fences, but I just thought I'd mention it in case you hadn't thought of it. It would be a way to let your dogs run without having to tie them out or constantly watch them.

      More than a dog fence, it's freedom & safety - Invisible Fence® Brand

      There are other brands too, I'm not recommending this one, it's just the first one I found.
      Thanks Dennis....I'll have a look at the information.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
    Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post


    I hope Belvedere and Peanut are at peace and cuddling together somewhere.
    Mom,

    Will you watch Belvedere and Peanut until Jacqueline gets there? I know she would appreciate it.

    Still miss you,

    Joe

    P.S. I know you... get the cats off the table.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

      Mom,

      Will you watch Belvedere and Peanut until Jacqueline gets there? I know she would appreciate it.

      Still miss you,

      Joe

      P.S. I know you... get the cats off the table.
      Thank you Joe....and thank you Joe's Mom for keeping an eye on my babies for me!

      Don't worry about the cats on the table....Peanut and Belvedere are used to it.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    What a terrible thing. I always think of the death of a loved one like this. They're always alive in our memories and our hearts. No one can take that away. Prayers to you and yours, Jacqueline.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

      What a terrible thing. I always think of the death of a loved one like this. They're always alive in our memories and our hearts. No one can take that away. Prayers to you and yours, Jacqueline.
      Thank you.....they will both live forever in my heart.
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      • Profile picture of the author DJL
        I used to have an Invisible Fence, as one of my dogs at that time was a
        genuine escape artist.

        The fence was highly effective, but also rather expensive.

        Fortunately, my current flock are all homebodies with no apparent interest
        in exploring beyond our borders.

        I feel terrible about your loss.

        Perhaps you should consider installing video surveillance of your property
        if you think there might be an ongoing threat in the neighborhood. That,
        and maybe a good sniper rifle.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
          Originally Posted by DJL View Post

          I used to have an Invisible Fence, as one of my dogs at that time was a
          genuine escape artist.

          The fence was highly effective, but also rather expensive.

          Fortunately, my current flock are all homebodies with no apparent interest
          in exploring beyond our borders.

          I feel terrible about your loss.

          Perhaps you should consider installing video surveillance of your property
          if you think there might be an ongoing threat in the neighborhood. That,
          and maybe a good sniper rifle.
          Thanks for your kind words.

          At this point, I don't know if there is any security option that would make me feel completely safe and secure.

          I'm actually finding myself in 'fight or flight' mode. To be honest....I'm strongly leaning towards 'flight'. I am still very disturbed by all that has happened and just can't seem to shake this bad feeling. My gut is telling me to move away from here and my gut is usually right.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kurt
            Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post

            Thanks for your kind words.

            At this point, I don't know if there is any security option that would make me feel completely safe and secure.

            I'm actually finding myself in 'fight or flight' mode. To be honest....I'm strongly leaning towards 'flight'. I am still very disturbed by all that has happened and just can't seem to shake this bad feeling. My gut is telling me to move away from here and my gut is usually right.
            You may be right. I didn't want to say this at first and wanted you to have some time to get over the initial shock...but my gut feeling about having your dog shot and dropped in your driveway wasn't a favor by a caring neighbor, but rather a message to you from a nasty neighbor.

            I believe a caring neighbor would have knocked on your door.

            Since your dogs didn't have any fences, it's possible they were harrassing a neighbor's lifestock, or simply tresspassing. Many ranchers don't have the same respect for life that pet lovers do. Slaughtering lifestock can have that effect on people.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    Like Dennis, I instantly thought of the electronic fencing solution. You can invisibly fence in as large an area as possible, according to how much you want to spend on it, and once they are clued in that they will get a bit of a shock if they get too near that area, they don't even try. I've seen it in action.

    I think it could be useful for husbands that stray also ...:p
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    I've been a dog owner my entire life and know what you're going through.

    This is the best dog poem ever... Hope you like it:

    The Best Place To Bury A Dog
    Ben Hur Lampman
    Portland Oregonian Sept. 11, 1925


    But there is one best place to bury a dog.

    If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call—come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death, and down the well remembered path to your side again. And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel they shall not growl at him nor resent his coming, for he belongs there.

    People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper, people who may never really have had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them.

    The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by Sarevok View Post

      I've been a dog owner my entire life and know what you're going through.

      This is the best dog poem ever... Hope you like it:
      Thank you, thank you, thank you......beautiful poem!
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  • Profile picture of the author sonjay
    I am not really a lover of dogs, but I cannot be considered a hater.. We had had several dogs in the family, and many of my family members still keep some on their own homes as of press time.

    I just want to say that I am in line with Dan's suggestion about notifying the authorities. This may really turn out to be bigger than what it seemed at first.

    In any case, I strongly believe that reporting this to the police will bring out a sense of vigilance or love for justice, within the immediate community you belong to.. In our country, a shot fired is worth investigating; it matters not if the bullet hits any living thing or just the inanimate ground..
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by sonjay View Post

      I am not really a lover of dogs, but I cannot be considered a hater.. We had had several dogs in the family, and many of my family members still keep some on their own homes as of press time.

      I just want to say that I am in line with Dan's suggestion about notifying the authorities. This may really turn out to be bigger than what it seemed at first.

      In any case, I strongly believe that reporting this to the police will bring out a sense of vigilance or love for justice, within the immediate community you belong to.. In our country, a shot fired is worth investigating; it matters not if the bullet hits any living thing or just the inanimate ground..
      I have reported it to the police and the local humane society. They are both investigating and will keep us posted.

      Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Jacqueline,

    I am not one that can express the feeling of such a thing very well, but I feel your loss. Belvedere is obviously, at least in part, a special case.

    Try to make sure nobody is angry with anyone from your property, or anyone that may be similar. ALSO, try to check YOUR property for hazardous problems. One thing that could have innocently killed the other dogs is ethylene glycol and one popular way to have THAT problem is to have radiator antifreeze around it. Dogs LOVE it. Apparently it takes sweet, etc.... But it is HIGHLY toxic. Based on the way they are, and how much they take, they could die quietly or throwup.
    Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs | petMD

    Of course it could be a lot of thing, so be on the lookout. I wish you luck.

    ALSO, although it DOES violate some of the freedom, etc... You MAY look into an invisible fence, to keep the dogs on your property. You DO have a lot of property though.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    The radio collars would probably be less expensive than Invisible Fence.
    The collars can shock, but dogs get trained to them and respond
    to the tones that proceed a shock.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      The problem with invisible fences is they may keep pets in the area - but they don't keep people out.

      Also, if a dog is chasing something and goes over the fence - they are outside looking in. I've seen that happen. Same thing can happen with electronic collars that shock - and I don't like those for humane reasons.

      There are also GPS collars now but like some of the fencing options - they are pricey.

      Jacqueline -

      My own inclination would be to fence an acre or five with chain link or farm fencing and posts so dogs have a good area of "yard" around the house. I'd also make sure my land is clearly posted with 'no trespass' signs along all boundaries.

      Then I'd let them explore the rest of the properly with you on daily walks or when you can be out and keep an eye on them and recall them when they go too far.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        The problem with invisible fences is they may keep pets in the area - but they don't keep people out.

        Also, if a dog is chasing something and goes over the fence - they are outside looking in. I've seen that happen. Same thing can happen with electronic collars that shock - and I don't like those for humane reasons.

        There are also GPS collars now but like some of the fencing options - they are pricey.

        Jacqueline -

        My own inclination would be to fence an acre or five with chain link or farm fencing and posts so dogs have a good area of "yard" around the house. I'd also make sure my land is clearly posted with 'no trespass' signs along all boundaries.

        Then I'd let them explore the rest of the properly with you on daily walks or when you can be out and keep an eye on them and recall them when they go too far.
        Good points, but nothing is perfect. Apparently, they don't really shock the animal.

        The problem with your cage idea is it is more restrictive etc...

        Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    The other issue with invisible fences is they may keep your dogs in, but they don't keep other animals out. I've read stories where roaming dogs killed invisible-fenced dogs because the dogs had no means of escape.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      The other issue with invisible fences is they may keep your dogs in, but they don't keep other animals out. I've read stories where roaming dogs killed invisible-fenced dogs because the dogs had no means of escape.
      25 acres is a lot of space for maneuvering, but nothing is perfect.

      The way I see it, there are THREE possibilities:

      1. The dogs were hurt outside the property. Sadly, Jacqueline has no control over that. I pointed out a way to restrict the dogs and still give them the illusion of full freedom.
      2. They had an internal condition, like unseen disease or old age. Jacqueline can't help THAT.
      3. They had something ON the property, so I pointed out a common and likely possibility that jacqueline could take care of.

      You have to realize that dogs are kind of like babies. Worse than babies, they have a different metabolism which means you should treat some things humans view as harmless as DANGEROUS! So you have to make sure there is no antifreeze, or other toxic liquids around, and also get rid of things like chocolate that might end up on the ground. It IS unlikely that that will happen, but leave a car around long enough, and it likely WILL leak radiator fluid. Other things likely will happen eventually also. She could have this stuff on her property for DECADES, a leak could happen, the dogs could lap it up and BAM! ALL could start dying.

      Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Steve -

        1-5 ACRES of fenced land is not a cage....it's a BIG yard to run in. My son has 3 acres behind his house fenced in tall black chainlink. It looks good and keeps his dogs safe while giving them plenty of space to run as they go in and out of the dog door as they please. There's also a gate on one side and a gate on the back of the fence so the dogs can walk with him on the rest of his land.

        I think the OP said she has 125 acres and that's a lot of space but you can't keep an eye on the dogs all the time or know they are safely within the boundaries.

        I'd assume, too, my dogs would be safe in such a large area of land but clearly that's not the case. Next thing I'd do (rather than move) is provide some enclosure limits for my pets.
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      • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
        Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

        25 acres is a lot of space for maneuvering, but nothing is perfect.

        The way I see it, there are THREE possibilities:

        1. The dogs were hurt outside the property. Sadly, Jacqueline has no control over that. I pointed out a way to restrict the dogs and still give them the illusion of full freedom.
        2. They had an internal condition, like unseen disease or old age. Jacqueline can't help THAT.
        3. They had something ON the property, so I pointed out a common and likely possibility that jacqueline could take care of.

        You have to realize that dogs are kind of like babies. Worse than babies, they have a different metabolism which means you should treat some things humans view as harmless as DANGEROUS! So you have to make sure there is no antifreeze, or other toxic liquids around, and also get rid of things like chocolate that might end up on the ground. It IS unlikely that that will happen, but leave a car around long enough, and it likely WILL leak radiator fluid. Other things likely will happen eventually also. She could have this stuff on her property for DECADES, a leak could happen, the dogs could lap it up and BAM! ALL could start dying.

        Steve
        You lost me, Steve. What does any of this have to do with what I said?
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Oh my God, Jaq - I've been gone and just catching up and saw this. I cannot even imagine what you are feeling right now. I feel so devastated for you. Do the police have the bullet from the pup that was shot? It would be real helpful to be able to trace that back to a person. You need to know if you have neighbors that aren't safe. Obviously, one isn't for the dogs, at least.

    If there were anything I could say that would help take the pain..........but I know of nothing. Strength and courage, Jaq. My thoughts are with you.
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    Sal
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    • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      Oh my God, Jaq - I've been gone and just catching up and saw this. I cannot even imagine what you are feeling right now. I feel so devastated for you. Do the police have the bullet from the pup that was shot? It would be real helpful to be able to trace that back to a person. You need to know if you have neighbors that aren't safe. Obviously, one isn't for the dogs, at least.

      If there were anything I could say that would help take the pain..........but I know of nothing. Strength and courage, Jaq. My thoughts are with you.
      Thanks Sal.

      Ricky now has a couple of new friends to play with.

      The bullet wasn't recovered.....there was both an entry and exit wound so the bullet is long gone.

      I don't think anyone who would do this would ever be considered a safe person to be around.

      I can't shake the very disturbing vibes and energy I've been feeling. I don't think any form of security would make me feel better at this point.

      My dogs are never out of my site anymore and I'm in the process of finding us a new home.
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  • Profile picture of the author Audrey Harvey
    So sorry, it absolutely guts you to lose a fur baby, and is even worse when two are gone so close together. No words will help, but thinking of you and wishing you peace.
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    • Profile picture of the author BigFrank
      Banned
      I am very sorry to hear of this tragic occurrence. Unfortunately, as one who has been through 13 months of abject misery since losing my dog, I really don't have anything to offer that might bring you any solace, whatsoever.

      I have wrestled with man's inhumanity toward man since the Tet Offensive. Eventually, and only recently, I have come to terms with that. As far as man's brutality toward a defenseless animal, if I lived to be 100 I don't think I would ever be able to understand that.

      I hope that having other dogs to care for will make things easier for you to bear.

      Frank
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      • Profile picture of the author msdobe
        Jacqueline, I am so sorry for everything that has happened to you. I can't imagine going through what you're going through right now.

        Please accept my condolences!

        The Rainbow Bridge - YouTube

        Jenny
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        • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
          Originally Posted by msdobe View Post

          Jacqueline, I am so sorry for everything that has happened to you. I can't imagine going through what you're going through right now.

          Please accept my condolences!

          The Rainbow Bridge - YouTube

          Jenny
          Thanks Jenny.

          Beautiful video...however, I only made it through the first minute....I'll grab a box of tissue and try again later.
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          • Profile picture of the author msdobe
            Originally Posted by Jacqueline Smith View Post

            Beautiful video...however, I only made it through the first minute....I'll grab a box of tissue and try again later.
            Jacqueline, I had never heard of the rainbow Bridge until my beautiful dobe died several years ago, then my neighbor gave me a card with the poem on it.

            When I found the video for you and watched it, I cried the whole way through, but the ending is what's important for me. I really believe it's true!
            Jenny
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            If you can read this in English... thank a vet!
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I am totally convinced that our furry friends never wander far from us even after we can no longer hold them. Many experience their presence in very specific ways. Dogs are patient creatures and wait for us. In terms of infinity, where time has little meaning, the wait is not really that long for them. I know I'll see mine again. I have not one doubt of that one.

    Jaq - I feel so bad that you feel you have to move for your safety. I will say, however, that right now, I'd be doing the same thing. Something is not right and you never know when someone is enough of a lunatic to go after dogs like this if they will stop at dogs. A move is probably the best thing for all of you.
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    Sal
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    Wow, this story leaves me bewildered. I wish I could do something to provide answers for you. Losing a pet is not fun, but I can't imagine what you're going through. Not knowing what happened is going to keep you from having peace.

    Do whatever you have to to provide peace for yourself and your family. If that means moving, then you should do that. Spending years looking over your shoulder is no way to live. I pray that you find answers and peace.
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