to readers who don't venture out of this forum

[magical thyme]

I don't blame you one bit. You don't need to look, but you need to know that the violence and hatred is growing out there. Keep a close eye on your critters, especially if you live in the south and southwest.

Seriously, even in your own yard, do not let them out of your sight.

[BlueIris]

1. I hear you, magical thyme.

We just lost another kitty (Molly, one of the twins who came to us last fall.) We think it was owls, but we're not sure.

[Tumbulu]

2. Well a large family of coyotes

has taken about 30 of my sheep. It is a horror show. I have rescued a large livestock guardian dog, but getting him settled takes time and love and patience and vast amounts of food- he is over 100 lbs!. It is way more work, hopefully worth it. And he is a huge sweetie pie.

I have always loved coyotes, but this is really something. The other morning this new guardian dog chased the coyote who jumped to the other side of the fence. My dog barked at it and it just vocalized back. I walked up and it looked me in the eye and kept vocalizing- it LIKES to eat my sheep- it does not want to be chased away. How dare I get this huge dog?!!!!!

I hope that the smell of the dog really does encourages these coyotes to move away. This is what everyone tells me.

In the meantime, is this what you are talking about? Natural predators? Or are you referring to something else?

[magical thyme]

3. something else

I don't want to write it here. It is too horrific. So far in Alabama and Texas, but 2 within a few days of each other. I'm afraid to look now to see if it turns into a trend.

Just everybody keep your pets surrounded in a halo of protective energy and keep them in your sight whenever they are outside, even in your yard.

I'm so sorry about your poor sheep, Tumbulu. Hopefully your new guardian dog will be able to scare them off. Would a warning shot into a nearby tree or something work?

The coyotes in Massachussets became very brazen before I moved up here. I had one up here in Maine target my little goat one day, but she had Algiers to protect her. He was very afraid of dogs when I first got him, but after many wild rides I was finally able to get him to face down a little cocker spaniel. Once he saw the doggy back away from him, his whole attitude shifted. Fearless. He enjoyed "playing" with dogs after that! Coyotes too.