Depending on where you live, having a small dog can be dangerous for him. The newer miniature dog breeds are very popular in Southern California with many celebrities carrying them in fashionable bags and purses, but for ordinary people, how can you keep your little ones safe from outside threats? ?
Where I live in Southern California, there are many things to worry about when you have a small dog. One thing that is prevalent in my area is coyotes. I had lived most of my life in Northern California, where the coyote population was not even thought about. I own a little long-haired chihuahua named Gizmo and never thought twice about leaving him outside in my secluded backyard after dark. However, once I moved to Southern California, I was amazed at the number of coyotes around me. However, I still thought my little one was safe because we had tall fences around the backyard. One night my puppy heard something outside and went to investigate. Unbeknownst to me, he was a coyote and apparently he had little Gizzy in the claws of his jaws and was trying to take him away. Fortunately, my biggest dog, Cocoa, also ran out and managed to get that coyote to drop his prey and scare him away. My poor little dog had to undergo major surgery, drainage tubes, and stitches to get him back to himself. I was so mortified when I found out how close I came to losing him and vowed that I would never let him out after dark. We still hear those coyotes at night and have heard other dogs caught in the clutches of their mighty jaws. I can never get that sound out of my head as it haunts me even today.
Keep your pets close to you and don’t assume you live in an area free from wild animals who have no qualms about entering your yard and taking your prized possessions. I learned my lesson the hard way and will always keep my Gizmo close and safe.