Cautionary note

[lynn wise]

Just to pass on some information that is local to us.

This past week, we have had 8 dogs die in the next village along the valley. All the dogs were taken for walks along the same footpath.
Police and the Environmental people informed. So far, the autopsy results aren't back, but they think it is possibly due to blue algae in stagnant water that was at the edge of the path. Possibly down to the warm weather.
All dog owners warned to keep animals on leads and don't allow them to pick anything up.

A dear young friend of ours lost her black lab last saturday, and needless to say is absolutely devasted. Fleur was a terror for picking up, and when on the moor for walks had to be muzzled, otherwise she was constantly at the Vets with poorly tummy. Poor lass, it looks as if this trait has been her undoing according to her owners mum.

So please, do be aware that this can happen, our Goldens are absolute muck magnets and don't care what they paddle in, and if there is a tasty morsel to be had, so much the better.

[hairydog]

Thanks for the tip Lynn have heard of this before and its very scary, Paddy is the mud magnet of my two in fact on Friday he decided to go into the muddy brook and have a wallow, so it can happen in the blink of an eye, your poor friend losing their dog in this way, how awful for them...

[Samsmum]

Thank you for the warning Lynn, it could happen to any of our dogs, and it does pay to be vigiliant.
Deepest regrets to all who have lost their beloved pet in this way.
Samsmum.

[janrobinson]

What a dreadful thing to happen and as you say it can happen in a moment. Lucy is dreadful for eating anything disgusting but she doesn't go into water so I should be thankful for that.

Thank you for the warning

[lynn wise]

An update on this.

13 dogs affected by this, 3 surviving with treatment at the Vets. Made national press, article in the Mail.
There is a strong possibility that the poisoning is deliberate. Maybe the powers that be were erring on the side of caution when they originally began investigating the deaths.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... tpath.html

[Samsmum]

Hello there!
Yes I have read about it in the Express this morning, and it is just awful, for both the dogs and their owners. Hope this is fully investigated and further suffering prevented. Meanwhile, we just all have to be vigilant.
Best wishes - Samsmum.

[cathy22]

We have had a warning in an area close to us about a spate of dogs who have had to visit the vets with extremely violent stomach upsets, the vets got suspicious and informed the police who started watching the area only to catch a man putting vast quantities of anti-freeze down. It was lucky that they managed to catch him in the act and he has been arrested. His excuse for putting the stuff down was to kill the chickens!!! Quick action by vets, police and dog owners here saved a lot more dogs getting seriously ill.
Sorry to here about your friends dog she must be heartbroken, especially if it comes out that it was deliberate. Some very sick people about!

[julie]

I heard about this on the BBC news web, its bad enough if its something natural but how awful if it is deliberate. Sorry to hear of your friend's loss.

Ruby is a terror for picking things up too and will drink from the canal.