Dogs and Horses, Please Keep Everyone Safe

 Do you walk your dog in state parks or public recreation areas?

I have a horse and dogs, so thought I'd use this page as an opportunity to educate people who maybe don't have equine experience.

This weekend a friend and I took our horses to a recreation area to do some trail riding. While in the parking lot with our horses, 3 separate families arrived with their dogs and let them loose to run in the park, completely ignoring the "keep your dog on a leash" signs and paying no attention to our horses nearby.

I understand that dogs need to run, play, and exercise, but people also need to be respectful of others while in a public area.

The place where we were riding was heavily wooded with hills, blind curves, and lots of areas where riders wouldn't see a loose dog or dog owners wouldn't see horses ahead of time. Horses are prey animals and their first instinct when spooked is to run. Running scared can lead to bucking and tripping, riders falling off, and people getting trampled, leaving behind a long list of potential injuries to both a horse and rider.

If you're in a public area that allows horses and you see them, or even see a horse trailer in the parking lot, please keep your dog on a leash. If you encounter horses on the trail don't hide! Speak to the riders to make yourself known and keep your dog calm and nearby. If your dog is loose be sure to regain control of them so that they don't run to or scare the horses. It's a good idea to stop and let the riders pass or ask what they prefer (horses have the right of way.) If you come up behind a horse also make yourself known by speaking with the riders so as not to spook the horse. These simple actions will help keep everyone safe. 

Horses, hikers, bicyclists, and dog walkers can all easily get along if we have good communication and look out for everyone's well being. Happy Trails!

An Alternative to an "E-Collar"

 We've all seen it, the dreaded "cone of shame" that pets have to wear after surgery or an injury to prevent them from getting to the wound, otherwise known as an E-Collar. The big plastic cone that you tie around their neck that bumps into everything, prevents them from reaching their food or water, that makes them walk funny or not at all, and most of all, makes them look at you like "WHY?!"  Dogs hate it. Cats hate it. Owners hate it.

When my friend had her Dalmatian spayed I called for an update. When I asked how she was doing with the E-Collar she replied "She HATES it!" I laughed because I totally expected that answer so I suggested a solution to replace the dreaded cone. I told her to go the store, get a pool noodle, cut it into segments and either loop them around her collar or use some type of rope or string to fasten around her neck. As soon as we got off the phone she ran to store to complete her project and reported back with this picture:

The E-Collar that was provided by the vet was thrown in the trash and this new version kept her puppy away from her wound but allowed regular movement and a much happier dog and owner. I keep a picture of this at home and show it to my adopting families and was told that I should share it with everyone, hence this blog. 

Before you get your pet spayed/neutered or have any other surgical type of procedure done I would suggest constructing a similar collar or ordering alternatives online. There are several inflatable types of collars that can be found along with other types of onesies, suits, socks, etc. that help prevent your pet from reaching their wounds. (Onesies are great for use after your dog is spayed.)