My dog caught a squirrel today

[linazelle]

If you only knew what a dream come true this is for Simba, you'd be thrilled. For five years (her birthday was yesterday) this dog has chased squirrels, barked at them, watched hopelessly as they taunted her running overhead playing in trees...

Today, I took off her leash at the place in the park where squirrels usually play never thinking she'd catch one. I'm talking to my daughter about how she'd do anything to catch a squirrel. She runs way ahead, and my ever attentive daughter said she thought Simba had caught a squirrel. I looked and she was right.

We caught up and a poor squirrel was laying on the ground. I don't think my dog was able to catch it, so much as it may have been down already. She picked it up in her mouth and then when it didn't "play" back, she left it alone.

While I'm happy for her, I'm a bit scared now--that she may have caught rabies. Never thought about this possibility because I didn't think she'd catch one. Simba's had her shots. I'll just keep an eye on her, she should be fine.

[American Tragedy]

1. The risk of a squirrel transmitting rabies is profoundly low.

It's almost unheard of.

Technically, any mammal can be infected with rabies, but small rodents in general don't survive long enough to actively spread the disease. I wouldn't worry about it.

[linazelle]

2. Thanks. That puts my mind at ease. nt

[Eurobabe]

3. I hope the squirrel didn't die, I am actually fond of them...

[IndyOp]

4. My dog, Sam, was an exceptionally good hunter --

He would kill at least 3-4 rodents a year. Squirrels, rabbits, and - the worst - a baby racoon. He actually took a running jump up a tree and grabbed the racooon that was precariously balanced about 5 feet up. He also chased deer - big deer - at top speed over long distances (miles). It was horrible every time - and I kept a shock collar on him and could usually keep him under control, but when he was really into it I could not stop him.

Now I have a Golden Retriever and a Chocolate Lab and both of them are complete wusses -- both will 'chase' a rabbit or squirrel for about 10 big steps and then get distracted. It is such a relief!

:kick: