Bark in the Park! That name says it all. And this Saturday, I’ll
be in San Jose as a part of the 13th annual
”
Bark
”
celebration. This event is held every September at William
Street Park in San Jose, and it’s full of fun exhibits and
activities, all for the pooches. And you’re invited to bring your
dog to enjoy all this.
Bark in the Park! That name says it all. And this Saturday, I’ll be in San Jose as a part of the 13th annual “Bark” celebration. This event is held every September at William Street Park in San Jose, and it’s full of fun exhibits and activities, all for the pooches. And you’re invited to bring your dog to enjoy all this.
The activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with displays, performances, music and food (there’s even some tasty “people” food to enjoy while the dogs play). Hundreds of different canines will be there with their human companions.
My friend, George Sampson and I will emcee some of the special competitions. George is the morning news anchor and program director for 1590 KLIV radio these days. But many of you will remember him as the weekly co-host of KTEH television’s Petpourri. The two of us were there for almost 12 years, along with Rumpy the Cat, Pebbles the English Bulldog and many other critters.
This Saturday, George and I will help the crowd decide the winners in several contests, including best costumed dog, best owner/dog look-alike and most talented pooch. There’s even a new tail-wagging contest this year. So come on up and join us Saturday at Bark in the Park at William Street Park, San Jose. For more information, go to www.barksanjose.org.
Q:
I’ve always been a fan of different animal species. So when a friend gave me a deer mouse, I thought I’d have a great new pet. I’ve been reading about these mice and see that they can be carriers for all kinds of diseases and parasites. Am I at risk? He seems healthy and happy. He was depressed at first, but now seems well-adjusted and likes to be held.
A:
The most common deer mouse in this country, peromyscus maniculatus, really are fascinating creatures. They’re quick on their feet, and they have a great jumping ability. But deer mice received a lot of negative publicity for good reason back in the early ’90s when they were implemented as carriers of the hantavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever. This is a nasty infection that can have serious health consequences for any person who becomes infected. Cases have been reported in many different states, including California.
Besides all this, let me remind you that any wildlife can carry parasites that can be transmitted to us and cause serious illness. All too often, deer mice harbor some nasty organisms – anything from roundworms to ehrlichia bacteria, to bubonic plague … and the list goes on.
Handling wildlife has lots of risks. You might feel a little safer if you have a few tests run on this mouse. A blood test can determine if he’s been exposed to the hantavirus. But this really isn’t practical. Furthermore, it would be stressful for the rodent and expensive for you. And a battery of tests really couldn’t completely cover all the different potential problems you might encounter.
You need to reconsider your plans here. Generally speaking, wild animals are not good pets. And your little mouse may seem cute and potentially cuddly, but as far as I’m concerned, the risks are too great. Contact the local wildlife rescue organization in your area and have them handle this one.
Q:
We have a serious gopher problem in our backyard. We also have two dogs that like to get into everything. They’re good diggers and once in a while, they catch one of these rodents. So I worry about using any chemicals. What’s the best way to safely get rid of these garden-demolishing pests?
A:
There are lots of gadgets out there that all say they can help you rid your yard of gophers. In the end, most of these are worthless. And poisons are dangerous, unless they are used with extreme caution and care. Strychnine is the active ingredient in at least one gopher bait sold over-the-counter at some stores. It works well, but is toxic to all animals. I’ve seen too many dogs in the clinic who have ingested some of this stuff and suffered horrible consequences.
My best suggestion is that you get a reputable exterminator to take on this job. Talk with your neighbors to get a good reference. (Chances are they have the same infestation problem as you.) Get a company that has experience and has done good work for someone you know. This is one job that has no room for error if you have dogs that like to explore (and dig) in the yard.
