What you doing Pippa?

Sadly my Bottle-bush tree died but Pippa is happy with a new pot to kip in.

Poisonous Toads in Spain

Bufo Bufo - The Common Toad

I had this e-mail from a friend who is also in Spain.

PLEASE READ THIS AND PASS IT ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE DANGER.

I am looking after 2 dogs for friends of mine, while they are away from home for 3 days.
Yesterday evening, I stopped one of the dogs, a West Highland Terrier, from "pestering" a toad in the garden.

30 to 40 mins later THE DOG HAD DIED from the effects of the poisonous toxins sent out from the frightened toad.

PLEASE , look up the facts and be aware of the dangers of this problem.

How awful for my friend, for the poor little dog and devastating for the dogs owner.

I checked on the internet and found this :

Toads Species

There are 7 types of Toads that can be found in Andalucia all of which are poisonous but the 'true toads' of the Bufo family are generally considered to be the most toxic. Toads range in size from 2 - 25 cm (1 - 10 inches). The poison is located in the raised area behind the eyes, known as the parotid gland. Poison is also present in the warts found on the toad s skin. The toad secretes poison when it feels threatened. Toads are nocturnal creatures from the Amphibian group of animals; they live on the land but breed in water. The toad will often burrow itself underground and remain there for long periods of time, particularly during droughts or very cold weather. They are more likely to be seen at night and in wet weather conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Toad Poisoning?

The affected dog may show some or all of the following symptoms after mouthing or biting a toad:

• Drooling, head shaking, pawing at the mouth, crying .
• Attempting to vomit, vomiting, diarrhoea.
• Loss of coordination, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing,
• Convulsions, foaming at mouth, tightly clamped jaws.

What To Do If you Suspect Toad Poisoning?

It is vital to get prompt treatment for your dog. Try to be at your veterinary surgery within 15 minutes as this can make a life saving difference. If you cannot be at your vet within this time because you live in a remote area, speak to your local veterinarian about keeping an antitoxin medication at home.

Keep your pet cool, they can overheat when convulsing.

If the dog is having a seizure handle it with caution, the dog may not recognize its owner and could unknowingly bite.

Are Cats Or People At Risk From Toad Poisoning?

It is extremely rare for cats to succumb to toad poising but not impossible. Cats seem to be more aware of the threat posed by these amphibians and tend to stay away. However if you were concerned that your cat had been in contact with a toad the same procedure as for dogs would apply.

In humans, toad toxin exposure is not considered hazardous but it can cause severe irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. The use of rubber gloves is recommended when handling a toad.

There are only two types of toad in the UK and I don't think there is such a great risk, but have read that they are toxic, so any contact with dogs especially small ones should be avoided.

Thursday 22nd. September

Photograph by Gary Joynson

Calahonda dog school in action, left to right, Shula, Kiki, Tiger, Pumkin, Kevin, Lu and Alba. Pumkin a four month old Coton De Tulear was a little star, still learning to walk on the lead but was brilliant at the sit and wait. Tiger and Lu, who are brothers did well but it was obvious they wanted to be together. They did so well to sit and wait until they were called, needs lots of patience to train them together but really worth it. Kiki and Kevin are sisters. I know, but Kevin and her owner are quite happy with her name and she comes as soon as she is called, every owner would wish their dog responded as well to its name. Everyone I think enjoyed the class and the dogs enjoyed the treats, well Shula certainly did.

Ermita de San Miguel

This photo shows how close the fire came to the Ermasita. The shrine is at the top of Calahonda and is said to look over Calahonda and protect it. Well if this is true it sure did its job, down a little way behind the wire fence is a block of apartment so the fire came within 50 meters. Actually I think it was the terrific job that was done by the fire department, all the aircraft throwing water and soil on the fire. Also the Bomberos. It is thought these fires which broke out in several places were the work of arsonists. No doubt in due course we will find out and hopefully those responsible will be brought to justice, although I am not sure what punishment could be enough for the mindless vandals that have caused this devastation.

Fire at the top of Calahonda

I went up to the top of Calahonda to see the damage the fire has caused and the campo is black as far as you can see.

Two Years Tomorrow

Does anyone remember this picture? It will be two years tomorrow since we brought our beautiful little dog home.

Today we had our dog training class and I met a really nice little girl Georgia with her dog Scruffy, what a superb dog handler is she. I was reminded a bit of how keen I used to be.

These days I just want Shula to have fun and enjoy herself but have been reminded that I have neglected her obedience training. Yes, she comes when she is called, she sits, and mostly she is good at home. When she is out with lots of distractions she does not always come immediately, fortunately I have never been in the position where she has been in danger. The best thing about these classes is she is learning that doing what she is told leads to treats - anything for food is her motto - for me, I just enjoy it.

Sunday 4th. September

Photograph by Gary Joynson

We made a bit of progress today as Shula went over the jumps, she is still very determined to avoid the tunnel and the weaves. I think her experience of getting caught in the gate (post October 9 2009) is making her very wary of confined spaces, still slowly, slowly and if she does it and enjoys it great, if not it is not important, we are there to enjoy it. That is not to say that we don't take the obedience part seriously as I think it is important that she sits and stays and comes immediately when I tell her, mostly for her safety and my peace of mind.

Calahonda Park

Photograph by Gary Joynson

Knine Dog Training - Calahonda Park

Shula and I went to dog training classes again this evening. It seems a lot harder than I remember with Meg but that was a lot of years ago and I was younger and fitter then, also Meg was a very different dog from Shula. Meg was a Border Collie bred from generations of obedience champions and Shula is a mixture born to a little wild dog who was probably of mixed breed. There may be some Border Collie way back but there is also some Podenco and who knows what else. The main thing is, we made a little progress and did some of the exercises off the lead. Keeping her attention and keeping her close in takes quite a lot of concentration and it is definitely a benefit to have a trainer. I thought this lesson, we were both able to focus more on what we were trying to do. Shula is still quite interested in what the other dogs are doing but I am getting better at keeping her attention. I enjoyed the hour and I think she did too, she certainly enjoyed the treats. What she doesn't realise is her food allowance is cut down on training days so overall she gets the same amount, of course the treats are not her normal diet so keep her interested.