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SUMMER'S QUESTION:
How do baby ducks and geese become orphans?
"While enjoying the majestic mountains with Charlie, our long-time family canine, he frequently runs ahead of us on the trail. Many times, he joins us only after several energetic calls to him. I know he's
alright. He's just enjoying a good run on a warm summer's day."
The comment above is heard all too often. I know Charlie needs his freedom, but at the risk of separating ducklings and goslings from their parents? No...not your Charlie? He's gentle, you say? Wouldn't hurt a flea,
you say?
I believe you. Chasing them is just his nature. Who then reunites the youngsters with their parents? Not Charlie. He's long gone. Not you. You didn't even know the chase occurred. Perhaps, the next hiker who finds
the "abandoned" critters will bring them to our shelter. Unfortunately, some people find the little darlings too cute. They want to play with the babies now, and maybe offer them some food and water. Or
worse yet...milk.
After the ducklings' fearsome adventure with Charlie, they have burned up most, if not all, of their energy. Now, what big and little people do not realize is that their charges are on the brink of exhaustion and
possibly death. " They're still standing and peeping so they look' fine. What's the problem," you say?
Young water birds must eat and drink constantly. Often due to the chase, they are dehydrated and
need a special rehydrating formula to get them back on a path toward survival. Unfortunately, by the time these fragile creatures reach our clinic, they are on a downward trend toward death.
The encounter with Charlie may have taken place hours before the next encounter with the well-meaning family. Then, several hours pass again before the clinic receives them to stabilize and reverse their condition.
How can you help, you ask?
Please leash Charlie.
If you find an orphan, cover it with a towel from above and place in a covered box with a towel on the bottom. Keep the animal WARM, DARK AND QUIET. No holes in box.
DO NOT FEED OR GIVE WATER!
Call 916-546-1211 for emergency response assistance and 916-525-5960 for general information. Thank you for caring about our precious wildlife.
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