Autumn is such a great time to come out to Vernon County for a walk in the wooded countryside. To explore nature, have fun in the fresh fall air and romp in the open spaces. Isn't it just great to get out of the city? Frequently, when many buyers and sellers arrive they have also brought along their dogs, to let them loose to run. What may seem like an opportunity to let loved pets sprint freely and enjoy the open spaces can quickly turn into a pet owner's worse nightmare. By turning your back for a short second in the woods, some sad things can happen, quietly and swiftly. Pet owners should be constantly aware that the woodlands are also habitat to predatory animals and birds of prey.
Just this past Friday one such incident occurred. A visitor's mini Chihuahua vanished into 
thin air, leaving the owner in tears. It is not certain what or how it actually happened, but most likely a hawk was the culprit. Ever on a hunt for an easy meal, a raptor would have been keeping a keen eye on the less than 4-pound dog. If you bring small pets along for a tour of the woods, it is good advice to always keep them leashed. Small pets are no match for coyotes and hawks. It may have been possible that this pet could have fallen down a deep ravine or wondered far out of hearing range. However, the owner said, the pet was always within a few feet of her side. More likely in the deep woods where birds of prey hunt and live, they can be silent killers. All depending on when they had their last meal, they will be watching and waiting for an available moment to strike, then to dine on any easy prey.
Sam: Yes small dogs must be watched in the wild wooded areas, and will be easy pray for wildlife. I just got off a long phone call with the property owner, where this happened. She told me her friend, the owner of the Chihauhau has made a second 2 hour drive up this morning to search some more. I would say the likelihood of finding the dog is extremely unlikely. Grim to discuss this, but often if you are not familiar with what goes on in the country and how wildlife hunts, some will just think there is nothing dangerous out in the woods for a defenseless little pet.