Alexis was out on the steps off of our back deck eating some leftover pizza for breakfast. If you own Chihuahuas, you know that if there is food, your dog (or into our case DOGS) are very close to the plate or bowl. Needless to say, they were all gathered around her feet when all of a sudden, a hawk swooped down and grabbed Georgie by the head with his talons. So much happened over the next few seconds but each piece more amazing than the previous…

Georgie started to scream – like anyone or anything would – as the hawk tried to fly away. The other dogs immediately started barking and chasing after the hawk. Dude and Cosmo actually bit at the bird! Then Alexis dropped her plate and actually got up and HIT the hawk. Yes! She smacked it several times until it finally let Georgie out it’s grip and now HE was the one screaming.

That’s right around the time that I saw this large bird flying away out of the corner of my eye and I actually watched the hawk fly off into the woods while I opened the back door and let the dogs  – who many at that point happened to be waiting right there, including Georgie, into the living room. Georgie was yelping and trying to hide under the couch, all while blood began dripping down the front of his head.

I called Doc immediately and clearly this is a situation that he has experienced before and could explain what we were seeing without even seeing a photo! First, he explained the swelling to a T – It was squishy, not hard, because it was actually air trapped between the scalp and the skull. The claw had punctured the skin and pulled it up. He had me press out the air using a hot compress, also allowing me to clean up the wound and see just how many punctures there are. He prescribed Clavamox as an antibiotic as well as lots of rest. That is when I realized he is the luckiest Chihuahua on the planet and my daughter is a Super Hero!

There is one puncture just shy of his molera  (soft spot) and Alexis fought a hawk!!  Can you believe it? A bit of actual swelling at his stop, complete exhaustion and a fear of anything that moves, has been Georgie’s life for the two hours that have followed the attack and we will let him sleep for as long as he wishes.

Unlike other times when I have seen “the weakest link” be bullied by the pack, this time it was the exact opposite, They all banded together to defend and then looked after Georgie. After he received his medical treatment, he tried to climb into the X-Pen so I opened the door and in he ran and then almost immediately, Milly and Olive laid down beside the pen as if in vigil, waiting for news on his outcome. So sweet!

So now we are looking for ideas on how to create some hawk-proof runs for the dogs. Be sure to send your ideas and I will be sure to share what we eventually design.  I know we are not alone with our hawkcident and that we are extremely lucky to still have our sweet baby boy. Maybe we can save more Chihuahuas (an other tiny breeds as well of course) from ever having to experience such a horrific event – Spread the word and lets share our ideas because clearly they aren’t as afraid of humans as one might think!!

Here’s the first secret to putting your Chihuahua on a diet – Limit how much you feed them!

Generally speaking, when feeding your dogs kibble, the amount you feed a 5 pound dog is 1/4 cup day. We feed our dogs twice a day. Splitting that 1/4 cup into two separate feedings looks so pathetic! Seriously! But honestly, for you dogs safety and health, thats all they should be fed!!! Trust me!

That’s the calculation we use to feed our dogs but we do have a few grazers an Milly has become one. She finished her bowl and then nonchalantly moves onto a buddy’s bowl, and then again on to another. So we have separated her to stop the grazing. Now let’s hope we reduce the chunks.

I have explained that my 2015 goal is to focus on socialization of my puppies and I am here to tell you tat will be NO PROBLEM with Olive. Her adorable cuteness inspires anyone that sees her to reach down and pick her up. She is loved on by everyone and knows no stranger. She was even the first affectionately told goodbye as we packed up the kids to take them to the airport for their flights home. SO much excitement this weekend, all ending with smiles as well as awesome memories and lessons learned.

It all links back to the food! Every dog food we have used as been known to cause the staining. Go figure aye? Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Natural Balance, even Bil-Jac! Apparently, going with a grain-free food is the route to take. I have been putting out my feelers and I think I have narrowed it down to a few to choose from for our next dog food adventure. More to come soon!

We have started giving her some Benadryl and almost instantly saw the redness and scratching cease. YAHOO! Gotta love Benadryl!