Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Fancy Favie]

New to BYC. From Southern Michigan. I raise Bantam Cochins and Marans.

Welcome...... Faverolle Mom here....

 

[Farmerboy16]

Bob- My step-cousin's wife was out jogging with her newborn baby when out of nowhere a dog attacked her, a friend had pulled the baby to safely while she had to fight the pit bull away. She had bite marks on her legs. Had she was carrying a gun, none if that had happened. The owner is still allowed to keep the dangerous dog, and the mother have to watch her back every time she goes out of the house as the dog only lives a few houses down.

Kimmie, You will not get in trouble for shooting the dog, a man, anything in self-defense. Its called Castle Law.

 

[Lisa and girls]

Predictably, by the time animal control called me back they had moved on.  I can't shoot them here, unfortunately, there's no way.  Well, not only do I not own a gun or even know how to shoot but my field backs up to a row of 1 acre lots with homes.  I have a neighbor that shoots squirrels and it really frightens me because they're shooting towards my property,  while I'm outside, just like I'd be shooting towards theirs and others.  It's just too dangerous IMHO.

Living the Simple Life, I too do not trust ANY dog.  It's been an issue with me all along because I'm constantly made to feel like it's me that has a problem for not trusting them, rather than the animal's disposition or the owner's responsibility for them.  But I've seen enough and been through enough to be wary.  I wouldn't have wanted to have small children outside near these, for sure.  Like I said, they were big and the ring leader was very aggressive.  Luckily it took off when I yelled at it but it was obviously not too afraid because it kept returning and testing me.

I was told to call animal control again if they ever came back.  -_-  To what end, I have no idea.  All I know is I'm apprehensive about letting my animals out with them on the loose.

Did I tell you guys about the neighbor's dog that got loose that one day during a thunderstorm?  I can't remember.  It came bounding across the yard to me all wet and stinky and I had no idea if it was friend or foe but it turned out friendly, thank goodness because if it hadn't I would have been flat on my back for how fast it came at me.  I called the owner, put it in the garage until he could come pick it up (turned out to be several hours).  When he arrived, he told me it gets loose all the time and all the neighbors nearby know about its antics.  Well, then he just went to the garage and let it out and didn't put it on a leash or anything and it tore straight for my roosters in the tractor.  Went ballistic and he couldn't catch it for anything.  He yelled and chased and the dog was barking and snarling and trying to get at my birds.  I just went into the house and left him to it.  Hopefully he learned something.  If he didn't, he will when he picks up the dog at the animal shelter next time. 

I'm so sick of dealing with the dogs around here.  I don't even know where they're all coming from.  I've seen so many different dogs without owners attached but are obviously cared for.  I hate to be the one to have to get mean on everyone but I have little choice.

I don't trust them either. I grew up with German shepards and growing up with those dogs gives you a respect for what they are capable of. Loyal beyond anything but bringing new people into the house was always a challenge. And I was dragged by the knee by a springer spaniel when I was 3. Our neighbors dog. So I have major trust issues with dogs. If I go running I carry pepper spray and I use it. Might consider getting pepper spray or long range bear spray. One shot of that will make them think twice before making a go of your girls again. And safer than a gun if you've got neighbors close by or don't own one. Although I've got to tell you, learning how to use one and taking it to the range and shooting... First time nerve wracking but after you get through the first clip it's incredibly empowering. And really fun. Plus women are better shots then men. And it's always fun to show up guys at "their" sport sorry guys

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

I 2nd the pepper spray. in fact, I think every woman should carry it all the time. We get dogs fairly often out here, if it isn't the neighbor's running loose, then it's one that got dropped off, or the full grown size puppy that broke its chain after its folks left it home alone for the weekend. Every time, responsibility goes back to a human, not a dog. what I'd do is get somebody who sells electric fences, get the business cards and deliver to all. No gun necessary. But do make your calls. Most all places have laws on the books regarding allowing dogs to run free. I know here, if you shoot a Licensed Pet, you will have a ticket at the minimum. Do what you will but remember it always goes back to somebody being irresponsible.

 

[taprock]

Bad dog topic, my DH did shoot a dog last year that was the neighbors. We had read the law and had a copy do it after previous problems. We didn't SSS, we left everything and called the cops. They came took pictures of the dog with feathers in its mouth and would have ticketed the neighbor if they would have claimed the dog. Know your laws beforehand.

Good dog topic, meet Titus.

We were down swampducks way and picked him up today. I wasn't quite ready for a puppy but I think DH stuck at home every day made him want one now. He and the chickens aren't too sure of each other at this point. Hopefully they will learn to like each other.

 

[ldelahanty]

No poisonous stuff. Saw the vet again today andshe is looking better but tested for Mareks...scared

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Awww so cute. Enjoy that puppy!

 

[uchytil]

Well, since I've been more active again it seems like we lost a ton of people, or they just watch from afar? Anyway, now I'm wondering if we'll see the folks I met last year at CS. I hope so. I tried to contact a few but no joy there. The only reason I mention it is that there were "things" they brought that I wanted to sail home with, lol!

 

[RaZ]

I don't know, sometimes this thread is so active that it is difficult to keep up. Other times it gets kind of slow. I spent most of today outside working on a new kugel bed. So I didn't check very much.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Well good and bad news here. In one of my Hugel bed, it looks like my Larkspur **finally** decided to sprout! Yay!

In the oat and bean garden however, it looks like my ducks feasted while I laid down with a migraine. Well I'm sure they enjoyed it. And I know where to get more seed. Hopefully I'm not too late.