The Rancher didn't see the dogs but his mom did, and she said they were both really big. Later in the morning, the Rancher took a walk through the pasture and happened to notice that one of the really old cows didn't look quite right, so he took a closer look. He was dismayed to find that the cow had been attacked.When the Bag Lady got home from work, he took her to the pasture to show her.
This is one of the first cows the Bag Lady bought, many years ago. The Bag Lady is inordinately fond of this cow, and has vowed that she will never again know the horror of the auction market.
She is really, really old and slow (the cow is, too) and deserves to live out the rest of her life in peace.
From a distance, her injury is scarcely noticeable
But when you get a little closer, it becomes apparent
Something had her by the ear and tore it
The cow was very nervous when the Bag Lady was taking pictures of her - she kept stepping from foot to foot, unsure whether she should try to run away. Sadly, she is too old to run, which is probably why she is the one who was injured.
The Rancher called the municipal district office and was told that there is no animal control officer (dog-catcher) in our area. He was advised to "take matters into your own hands", which, if the dogs come back, will be exactly what happens.
18 comments:
Sorry to learn about that poor cow. If a dog attacks, then it's no damned good.
That's too true, cousin. These dogs are going to learn all about frontier justice if they come back.
Aw, that's terrible. Poor thing!
Thanks, JavaChick - it really makes me mad when people don't control their pets.
Do you know what kind of dogs they were? That is really scary. And sad for your poor cow:( I hope you get them taken care of.
It was probably my corgi. I can just see her now...jumping that poor cow's ear. Dammit.
Oh that's too bad. Poor old thing - and the cow too. Your line so cracked me up. I hate to think of the fate of those dogs but like Leah said, an attack like that means there's a big problem. I'm sorry your sweetie is hurt.
Aw...poor thing.
I agree. An animal that will attack another animal is not fit to keep as a pet. Here's hoping they stay away so you don't have to do something...
It looks like you need a llama. If they will protect herds of not-llamas from coyotes, surely they would protect them from stray dogs, too.
Mary Anne in Kentucky
Good for him! It is an unspoken law in our farm country, if a dog bothers stock, you can shoot it. Usually, if the owner finds out, they will shoot the dog themselves. Law of our land.
Oh, no! Poor cow. :*(
Oh no! I hope his ear heals up soon. You know how much I love cows - I hope you can get the culprit!
I hope your cow recovers quickly.
As for the dogs, if they are worrying the stock, they will get what happens, and that can't be helped.
I'm not sure about llamas protecting cows from dogs, wolves, coyotes and such, but I believe mules, donkeys, burros and such will, at least from what I have read.
Charlotte - mother wasn't sure what they were - said they were really big and had square heads like pit bulls or boxers.
Janell - sheesh, keep your corgi at home, would ya?
Hilary - I'm hoping the dogs won't show up again. That would be the best for all concerned.
Geo - that's exactly what I'm hoping.
Mary Anne in Kentucky - I wasn't aware that llamas were protective in that way. Hmmmm - would they be scrificial llamas?
Gail - that seems to be the common reaction of country folk. Unfortunately, we have a lot of city folk who have moved out to subdivisions who don't seem to understand the rules of cattle country.
kcinnova - thanks!
Gena - thanks - I sure hope it heals quickly, too.
messymimi - I seem to recall hearing that, too - donkeys and goats, apparently, are protective.
People I know who have llamas--not whole herds of them, but one or two--say that they will, like donkeys, attack coyotes who come near their adopted herds.
Mary Anne in Kentucky
Don't take this the wrong way but I love you...anyone who refuses to take her pet cow to the auction market is tops in my book. And you're funny, to boot...doesn't get any better than that. Bless you.
Mary Anne in Kentucky - I mentioned that to the Rancher and he said he's heard of that, too..... but he probably still won't get a llama!
Cheryl - awww, thanks! (And truth be told, if there were any other way to make money with cows, I would never sell them, if that makes any sense at all.)
I was just reading through the comments and laughed out loud at Hilary's...did you notice her clever comment "Oh that's too bad. Poor old thing - and the cow too."? That was a GOOD one!! I wish I could think that fast. Of course, we all know she was just teasing...
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