Concern For Great Pyrenees Unfounded Say Breeders

Thursday, December 18, 2008 04:23 AM

Stray Great Pyrenees curls up near the dog house donated by a neighbour, others put dog dishes nearby so neighbours can drop off food.

Prince George, B.C. - Residents of an area just outside of the city limits on the Hart Highway of Prince George, say they believe a Great Pyrenees dog that took up residence near their homes seems to be doing quite well during the cold weather. The residents are commenting after concren was raised about the dog being out in the cold.

The dog first appeared in the area around the middle of June . It would not allow anyone to approach it and then took up residence in the bush near some homes.

One resident moved a dog house under some trees and it is thought that it may be using this house and an old shelter to escape from the cold weather of recent days.

It is not known where the dog came from or how it got there. All of the area residents are feeding this dog said Shirley Mazur who lives nearby. "We make sure it is okay every day when we walk by, but he or she won’t let us get too close to it."

One resident Mazur says can get within three or four feet of the dog but it will not come closer in spite of her feeding and talking to the animal.

Dr Allan Olson, of Olson’s Animal hospital, says a Great Pyrenees would have no problem in this weather. "These type of dogs should not be kept indoors" he goes on to say, "they are an outdoor dog that have been used to guard sheep. They can stay outside in some awfully cold temperatures." ranch.com

Victoria Lewis of Rockhill Dog Ranch in Nebraska. www.rockhilldog , says she has raised 100’s of Great Pyrenees. "They just love the cold" she said. We asked about them staying out in the cold "That’s what they are bred to do" she said, "they don’t like it indoors”

"Don’t worry about a Great Pyrenees" say Lewis, "they love the cold."

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008 04:23 AM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: lostfaith on December 18 2008 8:15 AM

Great outdoor dogs and their hair can be used for making wool for knitting.

Posted by: Born in BC on December 18 2008 8:29 AM

Thats a great story and that type of caring is what makes smaller Nothern Communities great. Its great that someone actually dragged an old dog house out there for the big fella.

If someone is accepting donations to help make sure the dog gets fed email me at and I will drop of some dog food or whatever you think is appropriate when I am in PG for Christmas.

Posted by: ontwin on December 18 2008 9:17 AM

While they may be great outdoor dogs,concern about the paws,nose and frostbite is a valid one.Put the dog house on a pallet and pack some hay around and in it-off the ground and good insulation.
If you feel the dog needs some type of medical intervention,see if a vet will give you tranqilizers and put in his food.When he flakes out,have him/her checked out and put him back.Let people know where donations can be dropped off for him/her.Great people you are!

Posted by: pisspulper on December 18 2008 9:28 AM

It is not very often a story on Opinion250 brings tears to my eyes. Perhaps my being a sap for dogs is to blame. However, I wish to express a heartfelt "Thank You" to all the residents for their efforts and assistance to this beautiful dog. I can't imagine the loneliness and fear this creature must be going through.

One can only wonder what happened to this dog. Was it abandoned? Is it lost? Doesn't anyone miss this dog. Perhaps there will be a happy reunion.

However, I believe this breed is normally fairly outgoing and friendly. Perhaps a hint to the history of this dogs past and its reluctance to bond.

I had the same experience with a lost dog that escaped the compounds of the family home. At first very defensive and aggressive, the dog gained trust and I was able to shelter it for a few days until it was reunited with its ungrateful owner. My effort almost got me evicted, the owner called the police claiming dognapping as someone had seen me with the dog, as I went to work to print some lost dog posters. Oh well, I guess there was a happy ending.

I hope someone can break the barrier with this dog and give it a loving home. Again kudos to the residents, and I hope one day we will read a cheerful follow up to this dogs life.

Merry X-mas to you all. Karma is wonderful.

Posted by: midnight on December 18 2008 9:41 AM

This dog has been living in the bush since June, my goodness, and where are the S.P.C.A. ? or a dog rescue group ?
Its all very nice that people took it a dog house and food, but a dog cannot and should not be left alone like that,why can no one get near the dog ? thats very odd ! What if it needs medical attention at some time ? who is going to help it then ?
What if gets attacked by a wild animal, or even another dog ? what if it attacks someone walking by, will anyone feel sorry for it then ? I doubt it.
Come on people get the dog some experianced help !!

Posted by: Andyfreeze on December 18 2008 9:45 AM

Hope the big guy comes through this ok with the care of a lot of great people!
And maybe, someone will give him a home for Xmas?
A great job by all!
It would be interesting to know the story on this dog.
Surely somebody must know something?

Posted by: midnight on December 18 2008 9:54 AM

Did anyone even think that someone may of being looking since June for there beloved pet ?
It may tattoed be micro chipped, and voila, you can trace it back to an owner,
It may of wandered away from owners who were travelling, or jumped out of a truck passing by.
Sorry but I think you owe it to the dog to get it a bit more help !!!

Posted by: MrPG on December 18 2008 11:24 AM

Knowing the attitude of most of the pet owners in and around PG, it's far more likely the dog was abandoned.

Posted by: Shellshadow on December 18 2008 1:14 PM

but a dog cannot and should not be left alone like that

Wolves, cayotes and foxes do it all the time....In fort st james there are domesticated dogs who have been abandoned and have turned wild and live on their own as well. Most outside dogs like him are used to being left out and spend MOST of their time alone.

I think the people who are helping this dog are the best of the best. Thank you all for caring!!

Posted by: kagee on December 18 2008 1:24 PM

Midnight they have been trying to get "professial" help. They have call the SPCA and City Animal Control. The SPCA say that it is Animal Control problem and the Animal Control say it is out of their area.

My son's Great Pyrenees loved this kind of weather and we would always find him outside his dog house curled up in the snow just like this one. Their paws are like a polar bears with tuffs of fur and even their nose is okay.

Posted by: lostfaith on December 18 2008 1:28 PM

Agreed Kagee
Sled dogs spend all winter out in the snow banks with no trouble. This breed of dog is as tough as any sled dog.
Leave it alone!

Posted by: Harbinger on December 18 2008 3:48 PM

Big fuss over a "homeless" pooch. Too bad we don't know why he is homeless. Got a lot of human losers homeless. Maybe people wouldn't care about this dog if he had a tin cup in his mouth and wearing a sign that says spare change. Then he surely would be ignored.

Posted by: pisspulper on December 18 2008 5:16 PM

Atta boy Harbinger, thats the spirit!!

Posted by: midnight on December 19 2008 11:48 AM

The S.P.C.A. and City Animal control, need to inform you then who's problem it is, there must be a rural animal pound, if not a dog rescue, call Prince George city hall or the R.C.M.P. and ask questions. Someone has to be able to help the dog.
Leave it alone attitudes do not help, this isnt the first time you have made a comment that makes no sense.
As for sled dogs living in the cold and other breeds, yes I agree they do, but they have owners don't they, stop being stupid, if you all have so much time to be writing comments, maybe you have some time to make a few phone calls to help this dog.