Lost my golden hen Puppy

[twilightgecko]

its been over 2 weeks now and im still in mourning.. i lost my golden girl Puppy.. my favourite hen.. she was always on my heels like a Puppy.. she was so unique.. she snuggled.. yeah, actually snuggled.. she would burrow her face into my neck or chest and fall asleep.. she had such a big presence.. if i was outside, she was near me..

and i lost her..

now, i live on 6 acres of woods and my girls free range.. i have managed to keep my girls safe from hawks [one close call grab] and i've photographed foxes many times.. but the only thing that has ever been a problem is one of the neighbours dogs.. this is the 3rd time it has attacked my hens.. only this time it did some serious damage.. my little black australorp Apple got mauled bad in this attack and is still slowly healing.. but my Puppy wasnt so lucky.. by the feather trail, the dog grabbed Puppy right beside the coop and mauled her thru the woods.. i never did find her..

i have a game cam outside and it never seems to be facing the right direction when that stupid dog gets loose.. but this is the 3rd time.. i'm angry.. i'm frustrated.. and i'm heartbroken..
and really, i'm just venting.. and coming to terms with saying Goodbye to her.. i haven't been able to even look at pictures of her yet.. but i need to.. so i can deal with it..

i understand its all a part of owning chickens.. i live in the woods.. but still, a domestic dog? someones pet did this.. erghhhh

my Puppy

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

its been over 2 weeks now and im still in mourning.. i lost my golden girl Puppy.. my favourite hen.. she was always on my heels like a Puppy.. she was so unique.. she snuggled.. yeah, actually snuggled.. she would burrow her face into my neck or chest and fall asleep.. she had such a big presence.. if i was outside, she was near me..

and i lost her..

now, i live on 6 acres of woods and my girls free range.. i have managed to keep my girls safe from hawks [one close call grab] and i've photographed foxes many times.. but the only thing that has ever been a problem is one of the neighbours dogs.. this is the 3rd time it has attacked my hens.. only this time it did some serious damage.. my little black australorp Apple got mauled bad in this attack and is still slowly healing.. but my Puppy wasnt so lucky.. by the feather trail, the dog grabbed Puppy right beside the coop and mauled her thru the woods.. i never did find her..

i have a game cam outside and it never seems to be facing the right direction when that stupid dog gets loose.. but this is the 3rd time.. i'm angry.. i'm frustrated.. and i'm heartbroken..
and really, i'm just venting.. and coming to terms with saying Goodbye to her.. i haven't been able to even look at pictures of her yet.. but i need to.. so i can deal with it..

i understand its all a part of owning chickens.. i live in the woods.. but still, a domestic dog? someones pet did this.. erghhhh

my Puppy
View attachment 1117950

So sorry for your loss.....Do you know who owns the dog? Is it someone you could talk to about the problem?
It's ruff dealing with a neighbors dog, if worse comes to worse and you see it on your property a paint ball gun works wonders..Lol
Stings like a bugger and sends a message to the neighbors (Just a tip)..Tho we've had success with this in the past. Hope all works out for you and this can be resolved peacefully with the neighbors.

 

[User395221]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry for your loss, it's hard to loose anyone, especially a favorite. That dog will return until something changes! Electrified poultry fencing is great, or multiple strands of electric tape, with a very good charger attached. It needs to really sting! Have you talked to the dog's owner, and filed complaints with Animal Control! In some places, paint balling the dog would be animal abuse, but shooting to kill is fine if it's attacking your critters. Wishing it away will never work!!! Mary

 

[twilightgecko]

thanks everyone..

the neighbours are the town vets too.. ironic? they have offered to pay for the cost of a new chicken.. these girls are my pets.. now i'm filling out an animal control report.. hell, out here in the woods, we only have 2 neighbours.. frustrating, my girls are still spooked, they wont venture far these days.. and this dog attacked right by my house.. ah, mostly i just miss my Pup..

 

[Folly's place]

The town vets? Totally embarrassing! By all means have them pay to replace your bird! Keep complaining; they certainly know better, and need to fence their dogs ASAP. WOW!!! Mary

 

[twilightgecko]

i need more game cams, actually catch the dog in the act, on camera..

 

[Sara Ranch]

*hugs*

 

[Farming Feathers]

Nothing and moreso not money can replace your loss, but you must get past the loss of pup and nothing can substitute, but don't blame the dog for the vet who feels paying for your loss covers it all...it is a mistake on his part the dog is a domestic pet...and yes the dog will be a danger till he or she grows to old to chase the live stock...wish you well...hope you can find a way to keep the dog away, and hope you will recover soon. Take care and god bless you for your love of life.

 

[twilightgecko]

thank you.. i still have my other 8 hens that need me. and my Apple is still healing from her wounds.. but there is definitely a void with Puppy gone tho..