January 2023 – Free Animal Doctor

In the rain

Some tips:

Though there is no magic solution, and you still may find it difficult or even not possible after watching through these tips... we hope at least one or two are useful and perhaps give you at least some ideas about what you might do.

Though it rarely rains here in southern California, when it does it creates a problem for dog owners. One reason is precisely because it rains so rarely, our dogs, like us aren't used to it!

Good luck out there, and if you have any tips, leave a comment!

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Free Animal Doctor. 0 comments

Coyote Season is here

SoCal Coyote Warning:

We are now in coyote courting season when more coyotes will be seen in pairs as the courting season ritual begins.

Coyote courting season is January and February, during which time we may see more coyotes in pairs exhibiting playful behavior such as jumping, dancing, and chasing. It is important for dog owners to be particularly attentive to their pets, as coyotes may view dogs as a threat, and may attack, especially puppies and older dogs less able to defend themselves.

Rainfall can also affect coyote activity. Coyotes tend to be less active during storms due to the drop in barometric pressure, which makes them more lethargic. However, after storms pass through and barometric pressure increases, coyotes become hungrier and thirstier, leading to increased activity as they hunt for food and water.

Coyotes have been observed to be most active in months with high precipitation. In addition, juvenile coyotes (less than one year old) may disperse from their families to establish their own home ranges or territories.

To keep pets safe during this time, it is recommended to always accompany them outside and keep them on a leash.

Protection for your dog or cat from coyotes: https://www.coyotevest.com/

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Free Animal Doctor. 0 comments

Crouching Rescuer, Hidden Doggie

This was a scary rescue!

First, we watched her almost get hit by cars as she crossed the street. Then, just when we had her, she ran into a yard with two pitbulls!

We knew about her for a few weeks, but people in the area told us she has been stray over a year. Had multiple litters of puppies too. She's a good hider, but as the puppies get old enough to walk around, come out of the hiding area, and people would take them. We heard stories of people taking a puppy for a friend or as a gift, but we are pretty sure people took them to sell too.

No one every took her though! And we can tell you one reason: she is hard to catch!

But another interesting thing... Faith Easdale of our rescue team noticed something while doing stake-outs for this little dog. There was a man who would come home late at night, at the same time, probably from work. And when he drove up in his driveway and parked, she would come out and run around him and wag her tail. She never approached anyone else, ever. But she would come to this guy, and he would ignore her and then go in his house.

Faith actually went and knocked on his door, asking if he would help catch her, since she seemed to come up to him. He refused. Claimed he had no idea about the dog, and was busy, etc. etc.... so draw from this what you will.

Finally Faith got some help, and a location!

Terri Alvarez and her son, who proved to be a nimble climber, got the little dog cornered in a very narrow area between a house and the wall around the home. As you can see it was very narrow there, a thin person could barely fit. We sealed up all the exits, climbed the roof and were working on catching her from above when something we had not planned on happened!

The next door pitbulls, who are attack dogs, had dug a small hole under the wall between the properties. No one had seen it. The little dog darted through it and was now in the pitbulls' yard!

Fortunately their owners were outside watching, and quickly kenneled them, and let us in their yard. A quick jump down from the roof, and a scoop with the net, and we were running out of there, believe me!!

Now she is safe. No more hiding from big dogs, and abusive people. No more dodging cars while crossing the streets looking for food and water. No more having puppies, raising them alone hiding in backyards, only to have people steal them. There is a rescue to take her, but for now Faith Easdale took her home. There Faith can make sure she doesn't escape, while she decompresses, and learns she is safe and can trust people now. No more hiding!

If you would like to donate to support rescues like this, please go here: Donate

If you prefer to use Venmo, our Venmo is @f-a-d or here is a link: Venmo

Her first night safe, in a warm space:

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Free Animal Doctor. 0 comments