very important "gator" question!
 

We just signed a contract on a beautiful home in TV. Our rear view is a natural preserve. There is a small retention pond in it. I have a 10 pound dog that I am very concerned about.

Question: Does anyone know for sure that there are gators in these ponds and has anyone actually heard of a gator comming up into a backyard to attack a small dog? Im shaking in my boots over this and sure would like some factual input. Thanks!:bowdown:

Definately gators in and around the ponds. The other thing I would be concerned about with a small dog is the Hawks. Wednesday while playing on Tiera Del Sol I saw a huge Hawk swoop down and hit something. It was near the green and as we approached it didn't seem to fear us at all and began tearing what he captured to shreds. They are fierce preditors.

Congratulations on your new home.

I can't comment on the existance of gators in your particular pond, but I have seen a gator in another part of Florida take an extreme interest in a small dog. We were visiting another community that was built on a river. There was a boardwalk that led to an area where residents could go down by the river to observe local wildlife. It was pretty cool since there were a couple of manatees in the river along with a few gators. While we were there a resident came by with a small dog on a leash. The gator saw the dog and started to swim across the river toward it. The fact that there were people around didn't seem to phase the gator at all. The man with the dog left (smart move), so we don't know if it actually would have attacked with the people around or not. However, I don't doubt that if the dog was left alone it would have been lunch.

Nonie - the rule of thumb has always been "if there is a puddle, pond, or lake in Florida assume that there is a gator". Gators travel extensively in central Florida and will attack any size dog given the chance. They are very quick for ten to fifteen yards. I would keep an eye on my pet and not let it roam the shoreline. Hope this helps.
Irish

Noni maybe this will help -
 

Noni - I have a large chain link dog pen here (excellent, like new condition) I will gladly bring it and give it to you for your dog, so you won't have to worry. You can put it in your back yard and your dog will be safe. Just let me know and I will have the moving men load it on the truck & you can come and set it up in your back yard.

Betty

Thankyou so much for you replys. I guess Im going to have to be very very careful!
Opulence, How nice of you to offer your dog pen. I really think Im going to do the walking and the dog park. I just cant chance a hawk swooping down on my furbaby. I never thought about the hawk risk!!!

I was hoping for a property that I could turn her lose in to let her run and get some exercise and fresh air but even a courtyard villa has the potential danger of a hawk. Oh well, the walk will do us both good! LOL:sigh:

Hmmm, 10 Lb dog in the eyes of a gator is called LUNCH! And gators are very quick when it comes to lunch. Best keep the puppy well away from shoeline.

Nonie, best of luck with the new house. Linda and I will stop by to say hello when we visit in May!

Nonie, You might want to tell betty not to bring a chain link dog pen down here for you as you can not have a dog pen in your yard..........However having said that, I must admit that I haven't checked on HAWK PENS ............

Oops!
 

Thanks Furmar - I didn't realize that. Guess I was wrong - thanks for the heads up. Only trying to help.

Betty

There was a large dog in one of the ponds across the street from us, belly up, with lots of baby gators having him for lunch a few weeks ago. The neighbors were guessing the momma gator had pulled the dog under and drowned him to feed her babies...

~ Waving to Nonie! ~
 

Hi Nonie, congratulations on your new home, it sounds beautiful - I guess your husband really loved it to!

I wish you both the best of luck

I no likey those gator responses - don't take your eyeballs off your furbaby.


Take care.

Linda

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is wonderful news. We are very excited for you!