I figure so as well. From what I've read it seems to be a natural instinct to keep predators away from the den that still remains with a lot of domesticated dogs. I have finally given up the search. Spent a few more hours yesterday and have covered about all of our 50 acres that surround the house. I've either missed him during the search or he made it to a neighboring property.
Dogs wondering off to die?
- Thread starter jk96
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Sigarms
Super Member
Sorry to hear that.
A sincere question...
Why do you let your dog outside roam unattended?
At the end of the day, none of us can control our dogs when they are outside left attendended (unless they are in an enclosed area such as a fence), which is why I ask.
I thought I saw a pic of your dog in your home in the past, not certain if he was a "inside dog" or "outside dog"?
oosik
Epic Contributor
My dogs have NEVER been let outside unattended - coyotes. Just this morning on our walk down the driveway - two coyotes, eying Brownie. They just stood there as I shouted at them. Finally, they walked away. Thank goodness - Brownie is obedient. He came and sat down - right next to me.
beenthere
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I'd be wondering too, and hope you find Diesel. Hope he didn't wonder too far.
But think I'd wonder off too if someone dug a hole for me, and I wasn't on a chain or in a fenced yard able to wonder off easily.
Best of luck..
TX Chris
Bronze Member
I had Ivan, my Golden, from 8 weeks old to 16 years old. He was that "I'll never have another one like him" dog. When we buried him in the back yard, I read a poem about saying goodbye to your dog and didn't get 3 words into it before I lost it. My oldest daughter asked my wife "why does Dad's voice sound like that?" It was all I could do to finish reading. That was quite literally the hardest day of my 43 years so far. My children were all completely devastated as well and they all still talk about him on a regular basis, roughly two years later.
OP - I hope you're able to find your boy and give him a proper burial.
He was an outside dog. I far as roaming I guess my question would be why not? We live on 80 acres. Closest neighbor is 1/2 mile away. 2nd closest is almost a mile and also 1 mile to the closest public road. I have always lived in the country and our dogs even as kids have been free to roam. Diesel and Moose have never gone far. I guess the way I see it they are much happier with the run of the place as opposed to being chained or fenced in. Moose died of cancer last year at 12 years old, Diesel a few days ago at 10 years old so both have lived long, happy, and free lives, especially for their breed and size. As far as the other comment about coyotes it's not a concern with a 210 lb mastiff I can assure you.
Diesel2
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Diesel5
Diesel6dmccarty
Super Star Member
One of my father in laws dogs, might have been his last one, got old and sick. The dog was at it's end. One day, my father in law got up to go outside, and when he opened the door, the dog ran out and would not return when called. The dog just disappeared. The dog had NEVER done that before.
My father in law went a searching and somehow was able to find the dog. The dog had crawled deep into a briar patch, laid down and died. My father in law tried to get the dog's body out but could not get past the briars. It really bothered my father in law that he could not retrieve the dog and bury him. I told him the dog did not want to mess up his den, aka the house, and the dog did what he thought best for his pack. Let him stay in the place HE picked to die. The dog was looking after it's pack.
Later,
Dan
My father in law went a searching and somehow was able to find the dog. The dog had crawled deep into a briar patch, laid down and died. My father in law tried to get the dog's body out but could not get past the briars. It really bothered my father in law that he could not retrieve the dog and bury him. I told him the dog did not want to mess up his den, aka the house, and the dog did what he thought best for his pack. Let him stay in the place HE picked to die. The dog was looking after it's pack.
Later,
Dan
MoKelly
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We had coyotes a few years ago. I saw one sneaking around just outside the corn field (about 200 yards from the house). I yelled at him. He just looked up and wandered a bit. I even walked toward him and he wasn’t in all that much hurry to leave.
I didn’t like the fact the coyote didn’t seem a bit afraid of me. So, I got my rifle out and left on the back porch. Next time, I took a shot. Missed, but I never saw one again in the open areas.
I really do not like any predator who can harm my dog. I feel it’s my obligation to protect my pets on my land.
I also hate thinking the poor dog can’t run around on the land and have fun without his life in danger.
MoKelly
Thanks for the post Dan. That is the plan. If I do find him in the future I'll take the loader out and bury him where he's at.