[ouma1938]

All these posts have helped us make a big decision. When we are able to move to TV we had planned on getting a CYV. We felt that although are cats are only inside cats if we had an enclosed yard we could let them out when we were outside and able to keep an eye on them. But now we are definitely goin to get either a designer or a ranch as they will never go out at all. Even if we didn't spray our yard I am so paranoid about my babies that I would be afraid that the wind might blow some of those poisonous sprays over into the yard. Crazy I know, but I can't help it. And I am now very relieved in our decision to go with a ranch or designer. Now we just have to sell this house. Thanks for all the wonderful information on TOTV. I couldn't live with it and all my TOTV friends.

[pili]

Nonie,

I'm so sorry to hear about Ashlee. I know how painful the loss of a dear pet can be. We lost our baby Cassie four years ago. We are now blessed with a little boy by the name of Ralo. We got him at the shelter in Barrington when he was one year old and he's adorable. We are looking forward to our move next week and his making new friends.

While you're hurting now be comforted by all the good years and love you gave Ashlee. She'll always be in your heart if if she was going to suffer because she's in God's hands now. She'll always be looking over you.

Pili

[Barefoot]

OK, I am really freaking out now about backing on a golf course in TV, with just a short white picket fence (standard for a courtyard villa view lot). We were assured by Villages Management that the sprays they use on the golf course aren't harmful to dogs. But this thread seems to indicate the opposite.

I'm in Canada for six months every summer, and pesticides have recently been banned in this province. I realize in Florida there are many more pests, termites, fire ants, etc., that have to be managed.

I guess I'm hoping someone will post something about the chemicals used to make me feel better. :dontknow:

[samhass]

Bare, it would not surprise me that the lawn chemicals affect animals. I know it sounds crazy, but if an animal must be on a recently treated lawn, maybe it should have some booties.

[Barefoot]

Thanks Samhass, good thought about booties! You can buy them for dogs. Unfortunately convincing the dogs to leave them on is another matter. ;D

But I'm more worried about chemicals drifting over the 3 foot picket fence from the golf course. To keep the golf courses looking great, I'm sure they must be constantly spraying for weeds and ants.

[bestmickey]

Barefoot, I wouldn't worry only about the dogs. If it was me, I'd make sure to keep my windows closed during spraying and for a couple hours afterwards. The sprayed chemicals can't be good for human lungs either.

[Barefoot]

Best Mickey

I agree, IMHO spraying is just plain dangerous for dogs, cats or humans. Although I see people who work for the Pest Control Companies spraying without masks!

The golf courses don't notify people who have lots backing on the courses when they will be spraying. So the scary part is you don't know when to be careful. I've sometimes seen them at dawn and after dark, and I know to avoid the back yard and close all the windows. But I'm sure they spray lots of times that I'm not aware. Hmmmm, guess I could ask for a spray schedule. Don't know how successful that would be. :dontknow:

[Doodlelynne]

Hi Everyone! I see this post is rather old, but I just joined the forum today. We still live in Western New York, but are considering TV. We used to treat our lawn up here until one of our dogs died of cancer. That was one of the saddest days of my life. The vet said that was probably the culprit and we never have sprayed since. One of my biggest concerns (other than huge wind storms), is all the chemicals used in Florida for the bugs and lawns. I'd honestly freek out at the bugs, but I believe it's probably a must and a lifestyle in Florida. Makes me wonder if I should just stay here and endure the snow. I guess I've got to decide which is worse! TV look so lovely though. It's really tempting.

[SUNNYMARYANN]

I lived in Florida for ten years with a dog and we only used pet friendly lawn care products. I plan to move to TV as soon as possible and have two young Cavaliers. I would never expose my little buddies to anything harmful. I use Scotts best Weed and Feed and just keep them off the lawn for a day until its watered in well. We treat for termites annually and just play it by ear on those days like take them for a walk out of the sprayed area for a day. There are alternatives to the unsafe chemicals and a visit to any Lowe's or Home Depot garden center will be a big help to you to chose pet friendly lawn care products.

[nONIE]

Are pet friendly lawn care products really pet friendly? Could long term "Pet Friendly" chemicals really be safe?

Guess Im just not as trusting in what they say as I used to be.
We have been lied to so much over the years for the sake of the almighty $$$$!