Squirrel Massacre

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

Mom and I went to the grocery store to pick up some produce for our babies.
We didnt leave the dogs out because of the heat and we weren't going to be gone long maybe 45 min.
When we got back I put my 11mo old son in his highchair and fixed him lunch.
The dogs didnt greet me at the door and I figured they were sleeping.
We have a large cage in our living room that is home to 4 of our babies. Its a large cage and takes both of us to move and the doors to the living room were doggy proof or so we thought.
While Mom prep the food bowls and I fed my baby we heard the smallest of the dogs barking in the living room.
Mom ran in thinking that he wiggled his way in and was harrassing the squirrels and the next thing I heard was a horrible scream from my Mom.
I could hear the panic and terror in her voice.
I ran in and saw that 4 of the dogs had gotten in and somehow knocked the cage onto its side.
The biggest of the dogs held one of the babies in its mouth and my Mom was struggling with her to get her to turn it loose. It was still alive and Mom managed to get it from her while I was frantically looking for the other 3.
There was squirrel tails everywhere... and blood.
I found one of the babies lying on the floor dead.
Its hind legs had been eaten, tail totally gone, and its eye was on the floor about a foot away. Im still not sure which one it was because its poor little body was mangled so badly. But it was one of our females either Layla or Lexus.
Somewhere in the confusion I got all the dog outside.
And Joy the little one that Mom had gotten from the dog died. Probably from shock or a broken back or both.
We both began tearing the room apart looking for the 2 missing babies.
I was counting tails that were on the floor. We have one tail unaccounted for. So we know that at least one of them is injured.
We cant find them anywhere. Im not sure if the dogs ate them or if they managed to get away and hide.
Im hoping for the later of the two.
I would have expected to find more pieces and part other than just tails if they had been eaten.
Im sorry this is a gruesome story.
I just want to warn everyone that no matter how big or secure your cages are that this could happen.
I love these babies and Mom and I have raised them from the time they were 3wks old.
Please understand that we thought they were in a secure cage with doors to the room closed and blocked.
If you have a squirrel and a dog please be super careful. We never thought it would/could happen to us.
And please pray for Santana and Layla/Lexus?
And help honor the memory of our beloved Joy and Layla/Lexus?
Our hearts are hurting right now.
We cannot fault the dogs for being dogs...
We accept full responsibility for what has happened.
Please pray:grouphug

[stosh2010]

Prayers for your emotional recovery...I can't even imagine seeing that terrible site. There is an absence of malice when dogs and rodents are combined, just instinct. I am hoping you can locate at least one fast and clever survivor. Your warning to others will save lives in the future--I hope.

[geocat52]

:grouphug Hugs and prayers for you and yours and the missing little ones. Know it is hard to accept, even with the knowledge that the animals were just being animals. Keeping you in my thoughts...:grouphug

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

Prayers for your emotional recovery...I can't even imagine seeing that terrible site. There is an absence of malice when dogs and rodents are combined, just instinct. I am hoping you can locate at least one fast and clever survivor. Your warning to others will save lives in the future--I hope.

Thank you.
I keep praying and hoping:Love_Icon

[momma2boo]

:(

[stepnstone]

What a horrible experience, so sorry this has happened. :grouphug

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

We've been rehabbing for years with the dogs and never had a problem.
Its just caught us so off gaurd.
Im afraid my Mom is inconsolable right now.
I keep finding myself wishing I had the words.
Wishing I knew what happened to the 2 missing.
Its the not knowing.
Shes gone to find comfort with her NR kids and I hope it brings her some peace.

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

And to make things worse they were days away from being moved to the release cage.
Im so mad at myself and so worried about the 2 MIA that they might be hiding injured somewhere and too scared to come out for help.

[stepnstone]

I can just imagine the horror, poor babies.
I feel so bad for you and mom, should have never happened...
Hell of a way to learn it can.

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

I can just imagine the horror, poor babies.
I feel so bad for you and mom, should have never happened...
Hell of a way to learn it can.

I cant even look at the dogs right now.
No squirrel should ever have to go through what I witnessed today. No rehabber should either.
My hands are still shaking and my mind filled with images that wont go away.

[virgo062]

I cant even look at the dogs right now.


Like you said....You can't fault them...I am SO sorry I really don't even have words right now.....I have chills all over so I can't even imagine what you guys are going through....

That's a hard lesson but a valuable one....Animals will be animals and you can't be to careful....OMG I am so sorry:grouphug Tell your mama I am thinking of her and if she wants to call and talk she has my number....WOW this could take a long time to get over:grouphug

[stepnstone]

I understand it's hard... You will never know what set the dogs off but you know you have to forgive them, and yourself!
We preach all the time about animals and their nature, this is just another example. It don't make them bad dogs...

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

Praying for you.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[stepnstone]

Ok, that brings tears to my eyes...

[Tara]

OH KIT!!!! I'm SO sorry that this happened! I know you're both heartbroken! I'll be praying for everyone, and hope that you find the other two hidden. Those poor babies! I would have never thought that the dogs could get into that room! It seemed to be an awesome setup!
Please let me know if there's anything I can do...Tell your mom that I'm sorry this happened:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[virgo062]

That looks like a pretty strong cage........How in the world?

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

That looks like a pretty strong cage........How in the world?

They managed to separate the top from the base and tip it over.
I didnt think they could like I said it take both of us to move it.

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I am so sorry. I totally understand, when I 1st started rehabbing years ago. I had the babies in my guest bedroom. My springer spaniel snuck in at feeding time and hid under the bed when I made my exit sweep. I came back in to find he had eaten the babies (3) actually swallowing them alive and whole so he wouldn't get in trouble. I know the feeling - and I am praying for you. Lesson for all. Dogs will be dogs - I try to explain that to folks when they get mad at creatures for being creatures. Like the parable about the frog & the scorpion. "But it is in my nature" I know it hurts no less, but feel that there are others that have experienced this tradgedy too.:grouphug

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_and_the_Frog

[Lulu2010]

:( So sorry Kit. I can't imagine how you guys feel. I know you and your mom go above and beyond to help ANY critter in need. I pray that you find peace and that the last two are recovered safely. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call.

Run free little angels who crossed the bridge. :sad :sad

:grouphug Lisa:grouphug and :grouphug Kit:grouphug

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

Thank you all so much for your warm thoughts and prayers. :Love_Icon
There is still no sign of the 2 missing babies. If they did escape I image they are hunkered down for the night. So maybe the will emerge first thing in the morning. I can only hope and pray.
Thank you again.:grouphug

[Tickle's Mom]

I cannot imagine what you are feeling. Prayers for all. :grouphug :grouphug

[mpetys]

Kit, I just can't imagine how you and your mom are dealing with this. It would have been so easy to not share openly what happened and I don't think anyone would have held that against either of you. What you have done is very brave, in that by telling what happened, it serves as a reminder to everyone of the dangers that having dogs and cats and sometimes even children around our precious squirrels.

I pray for relief from the tremendous grief you and lilidukes must be feeling. What we all are feeling. I hope peace will come and that you will be able to, one day, look at your dogs with nothing but love.

I see that others have gone through similar things. I have as well. Not with my squirrels but with geese. I have a rottie that is extremely protective of me. Twice, she attacked a goose because he was charging me. The first time was totally unexpected and the goose lived although he was missing his bottom beak. The second time was carelessness on our part. She is totally fine around the geese, ducks and chickens when she is with my husband. He had her out in the yard with him. I walked out there and a goose lunged at me from behind a fence. Before we knew what happened my rottie jumped the fence and stopped the goose. The goose did not live. My husband wanted to get rid of her! He was so angry at her. This was not like him at all. We have never "gotten rid" of an dog or cat once they became part of our family. I had to convince him that it wasn't her fault but mine for carelessly walking out there when I knew the geese always go after me since I am afraid of them and when I knew that she was protective of me!

I know it will be hard but let us all help you and lilidukes to work through this. Maybe not right now, but maybe later, we could start a discussion, a thread, in honor of your babies, and discuss, talk about safety precautions we should take to protect these babies. Something that will remind those of us who work with squirrels every day as well as new people coming on who can learn, not only from our successes but from our tragedies as well.


Michele

[4skwerlz]

I agree it was brave to post what happened. It was the right thing to do on many levels. It reminds others of "what can happen." And also, TSB folks can help you work through this horrible experience. :grouphug

[scoobysnack]

I'm so sorry. There are times I have trouble with dogs. I love mine, don't get me wrong, but when they attempt to kill or do kill something I have a hard time reconciling it.

This is an excellent reminder to all of us how quickly things can and do go wrong.

Hugs to you.

[astra]

Kit, I just can't imagine how you and your mom are dealing with this. It would have been so easy to not share openly what happened and I don't think anyone would have held that against either of you. What you have done is very brave, in that by telling what happened, it serves as a reminder to everyone of the dangers that having dogs and cats and sometimes even children around our precious squirrels.

I pray for relief from the tremendous grief you and lilidukes must be feeling. What we all are feeling. I hope peace will come and that you will be able to, one day, look at your dogs with nothing but love.

I see that others have gone through similar things. I have as well. Not with my squirrels but with geese. I have a rottie that is extremely protective of me. Twice, she attacked a goose because he was charging me. The first time was totally unexpected and the goose lived although he was missing his bottom beak. The second time was carelessness on our part. She is totally fine around the geese, ducks and chickens when she is with my husband. He had her out in the yard with him. I walked out there and a goose lunged at me from behind a fence. Before we knew what happened my rottie jumped the fence and stopped the goose. The goose did not live. My husband wanted to get rid of her! He was so angry at her. This was not like him at all. We have never "gotten rid" of an dog or cat once they became part of our family. I had to convince him that it wasn't her fault but mine for carelessly walking out there when I knew the geese always go after me since I am afraid of them and when I knew that she was protective of me!

I know it will be hard but let us all help you and lilidukes to work through this. Maybe not right now, but maybe later, we could start a discussion, a thread, in honor of your babies, and discuss, talk about safety precautions we should take to protect these babies. Something that will remind those of us who work with squirrels every day as well as new people coming on who can learn, not only from our successes but from our tragedies as well.


Michele
:goodpost
I cannot imagine what you and your Mom must feel like...:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
I agree with Mpetys that it is brave of you to share this tragedy, and that it could be a start of a discussion, much needed for everyone: for both - the newcomers who come convinced that their cats/dogs are the sweetest and are safe for their newly found baby squirrel, and the more "seasoned" people whose cats/dogs have never shown their predator instincts (yet), and are allowed around prey animals. It's always the first time...
As 4skwerlz noted, "It was the right thing to do on many levels", and another level that always comes to mind in such situations is not exposing prey animals to cats/dogs at all, thus, helping their protective instincts develop so that they know to run for their lives and hide when faced with a predator...
Many levels, indeed...
But for right now, as Mpetys and 4skwerlz and many others said, TSB folks can help you work through this horrible experience
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

I shared todays events in hope of preventing others from going through the same senseless thing.
If one squirrel can be saved by me telling it then I am glad that I have.
I am not embarrassed or ashamed of what happened.
Like I said we took precautions.
They were in a good strong heavy duty cage with multiple nest boxes.
The doors to the room were doggy proofed to the best of our abilities.
But still it wasn't adequate enough.

I failed them. I should have done more but what?

And as if today wasn't already tragic enough. Leroy who we just got a few days ago and was hit by a car just passed away.

Thank God for all of my fellow TSB members who love squirrels like we do. No one else understands what its like to lose them or love them.

Its going to take a while for our hearts to heal.

[Tara]

Everyone is right. This is an important post to help everyone remember to be more careful. However, just so everyone knows, these squirrels had their own living room. There's a door that they shut and the squirrels are in the room by themselves.
I hope you ladies don't mind me sharing that. I just thought that it was important that everyone knows that there was a door between the dogs and squirrels. Not only did they get into the cage, they first had to get through a door. I don't think this was a case of the squirrels being desensitized to the dogs. Poor babies. :shakehead
I'm so sorry this happened. Hugs and prayers being sent your way!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[lilidukes]

TSB We thank you for the love and caring words.

We do not expose wildlife to our dogs. The dogs have their area of the house and our rehab animals are in other places. The room these kids were in has two doorways one is heavy swinging doors in which they cannot open. The other were folding doors in which we had blocked from both sides. The dogs had to really work in order to get into the room today. The cage was in a corner and how they turned over such a heavy cage we will never know.

Despite all of our precautions disaster still struck our home this morning. I asked Kit to post what happened to warn others of what can happen. So that maybe if only one person rethinks where their cage is as to where their dog/cats are. If this warning saves just one squirrel maybe my kids did not suffer and die in vain.

Tonight my latest car hit squirrel Leroy Brown crossed the bridge in my arms. I am devastated and feel like i am melting inside. Not knowing what has happened to the other two....I am having trouble coping right now.


I love squirrels and I love TSB :grouphug

Lisa

[astra]

....I am having trouble coping right now.
I love squirrels and I love TSB :grouphug

Lisa
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Milo's Mom]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[NaturesGift]

(hugs) I had a squirrel brought to me by a member and had him outside in a secure (what I thought was secure) cage getting him ready for release. And our neighbors had a pack of dogs and they came over tipped the cage and killed the lil guy we didn't find his body for days we thought for sure he had escaped to the trees and looked and looked for him.

I will not use a tall cage with a bottom that unattaches

I have a rehab building separate from my house for the safety of everyone!

And my outside cages are all hardwire cloth and sturdy wood. Yes a lil more work to clean but I feel good knowing they are secure!!

I complained to the company that made the cage!! Seriously the cages are used for ferrets and rabbits and rats...and most ppl have dogs!! It's a big big risk!!! Don't blame the dogs they were acting on instinct! (I hated those dogs but when 2 of them were later put down I felt sad for them.)

Blame the cage complain to the maker of the cage make them fix the problem cages should be safe!!

And see about getting some kind of building apart from your house for your rehabs. That will ease the worry in the future over your dogs! Even a camping trailer works!!

But seriously we need a sticky warning for cages with detachable bottoms!!

But plz do write the company and if we all complain maybe they will make a change!!!

[mpetys]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

I'm so sorry that you have had to suffer the loss of Leroy Brown tonight of all nights. Just try to picture Leroy and all the babies, healed, healthy and whole at the Rainbow Bridge. If they are mourning, they are mourning for the pain you are in. They know you loved them, I truly believe this, and that you wanted a bright future for them here on earth. I believe that they are okay, healed, healthy and whole and would want you to allow your hearts to heal.

Michele

[astra]

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

I'm so sorry that you have had to suffer the loss of Leroy Brown tonight of all nights. Just try to picture Leroy and all the babies, healed, healthy and whole at the Rainbow Bridge. If they are mourning, they are mourning for the pain you are in. They know you loved them, I truly believe this, and that you wanted a bright future for them here on earth. I believe that they are okay, healed, healthy and whole and would want you to allow your hearts to heal.

Michele
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Lulu2010]

Rest in Peace Leroy Brown. :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Rhapsody]

No Words 4 What I Feel........
:grouphug :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :grouphug

[UDoWhat]

I am so sorry. It was an accident. Nothing you could have ever imagined. :Love_Icon

[crazysquirrels]

Very soory to hear this.

[Twi_prime]

SMSS and Lilidukes, I'm so sorry you've lost your babies and Leroy. That's too much pain for one day--for one lifetime, if I'm honest--and I hate that you're going through it. I really hope that your missing ones are found safe. :( :( :( :(

[Mrs Skul]

:sad
RIP
Santana, Joy, Layla, and Lexus
Leroy
4 Little Angels can now help Leroy cross the Bridge to.
:Cry

[virgo062]

Lisa I would never doubt you and Kit took all the necessary precautions...Sometimes it's never enough...You guys are awesome I knew that from the first time I met both of you. You both have a special Aura that gives off a amazing energy and love:grouphug I am so sorry this happened I really don't have anymore words...there are no words that will comfort you and Kit right now only knowing that you both are loved and cherished from a lot of people....As much as I hated reading this I am glad Kit put it out there. People need to understand dogs and cats (even domesticated) are mortal enemies and should never commingle:grouphug And Leroy OMG I know it's hard to imagine but God will never give you more than you can handle....This will only make you and Kit stronger...Love you guys:grouphug

[NewMommy]

Such a horrible thing for you to witness. My heart goes out to you. :grouphug :grouphug

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

We still haven't found the missing 2 and I fear we may never. Im trying to stay positive while anticipating the worst.
The not knowing is the hardest part.
Thank you all for your kindness and prayers.
I love TSB.:grouphug

[Chickenlegs]

I just got back from a trip and saw your tragedy. All the love you poured into those babies is still with you. The tragedy you posted--and it's so hard to post something like that--will save other small lives. I hope the remaining babies are safe. I hope your hearts are on the mend--knowing that sometimes creation has other plans for the ones we love. I hope the terrible thing you witnessed will soon be replaced with the joy of saving other little creatures

[BeeFernandez22]

Sending lots of comforting thoughts and prayers your way :grouphug

[asweetdiversion]

I feel you and your mother's pain on so many levels, thank you for helping me understand and really appreciate this lesson. It WILL save a squirrels life, I feel sure of it. Thank you and I promise to say many prayers for you both and the missing babies. God Bless and Rest Your Troubled Heart.

[Fuzz24butt]

Mom and I went to the grocery store to pick up some produce for our babies.
We didnt leave the dogs out because of the heat and we weren't going to be gone long maybe 45 min.
When we got back I put my 11mo old son in his highchair and fixed him lunch.
The dogs didnt greet me at the door and I figured they were sleeping.
We have a large cage in our living room that is home to 4 of our babies. Its a large cage and takes both of us to move and the doors to the living room were doggy proof or so we thought.
While Mom prep the food bowls and I fed my baby we heard the smallest of the dogs barking in the living room.
Mom ran in thinking that he wiggled his way in and was harrassing the squirrels and the next thing I heard was a horrible scream from my Mom.
I could hear the panic and terror in her voice.
I ran in and saw that 4 of the dogs had gotten in and somehow knocked the cage onto its side.
The biggest of the dogs held one of the babies in its mouth and my Mom was struggling with her to get her to turn it loose. It was still alive and Mom managed to get it from her while I was frantically looking for the other 3.
There was squirrel tails everywhere... and blood.
I found one of the babies lying on the floor dead.
Its hind legs had been eaten, tail totally gone, and its eye was on the floor about a foot away. Im still not sure which one it was because its poor little body was mangled so badly. But it was one of our females either Layla or Lexus.
Somewhere in the confusion I got all the dog outside.
And Joy the little one that Mom had gotten from the dog died. Probably from shock or a broken back or both.
We both began tearing the room apart looking for the 2 missing babies.
I was counting tails that were on the floor. We have one tail unaccounted for. So we know that at least one of them is injured.
We cant find them anywhere. Im not sure if the dogs ate them or if they managed to get away and hide.
Im hoping for the later of the two.
I would have expected to find more pieces and part other than just tails if they had been eaten.
Im sorry this is a gruesome story.
I just want to warn everyone that no matter how big or secure your cages are that this could happen.
I love these babies and Mom and I have raised them from the time they were 3wks old.
Please understand that we thought they were in a secure cage with doors to the room closed and blocked.
If you have a squirrel and a dog please be super careful. We never thought it would/could happen to us.
And please pray for Santana and Layla/Lexus?
And help honor the memory of our beloved Joy and Layla/Lexus?
Our hearts are hurting right now.
We cannot fault the dogs for being dogs...
We accept full responsibility for what has happened.
Please pray:grouphug

Prayers ur way. What a horrible thing for y'all Togo through but hopefully people will learn from this. U shouldn't feel guilty. You were doing what u thought was right my heart aches and my tears fall for ur loss.

[stepnstone]

This is an older forum from 2011, unfortunately this scenario gets and has been repeated by those who cling
to denial that their sweet good nature dogs could/would relay on their natural instincts and do such a thing. :shakehead