In Memory of Dena - my letter to the editor after her murder

We had 3 dogs, the father, the mother and the puppy.  In the past we have had problems with neighbor dogs coming into our yard.  So we have a 4’ fence to keep them out.  This winter's snow created a “bridge to freedom” for our dogs. They found they were able to walk right out of the yard on the snow.  When they got out, we would see them, call them, and they would come running.  Recently a neighbor’s barn cat decided to come into our yard.  The holes in the fence are large enough for a cat but not a dog.  Our dogs have a high ‘prey drive’ which causes them to hunt.  They went after the cat.  The cat ran for home and the dogs followed. We called them but they ignored us. Because of the cat, they were in a hunting frenzy.   They got the cat and were trying to kill it.  The farmer saw the dogs and shot the mother.  The bullet passed through her and entered the pup.  The mother was killed instantly.  The pup has over $700 worth of vet bills so far, and the bullet is still lodged in his shoulder.  He misses his mom. He looks for her whenever someone comes in the door.  Now we will put up a 6’ fence.  That still won’t keep other animals out of our yard.  Please watch your animals.  Please try to keep them on your own property.