Our Readers Learn Gator Safety Skills and Win Prizes for their Efforts

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I always feel just a little bit better when I wrap up our annual gator safety class here at All Things Dog Blog. I'll sleep just a wee bit better knowing that you guys helped to get the word out about keeping our dogs safe when we're in areas where gators reside.

Rafflecopter seems to be misbehaving a bit this afternoon, so my winner drawing is delayed. I know you are all eager to find out who gets to receive a package of treats and a gator toy for their dog. I'll update this post by adding the winners names just as soon as I am able. I'm hopeful that the problem is very temporary and I'll have more news soon. You can also check up on the status by looking at the giveaway widget here.

FINALLY, we have winners! Hurray!  It's possible that the issue I was experiencing was due to my location in the mountains, while trying to draw winners. I had lots of internet connectivity problems there. Now, let's get to it:

Our winners are Jennifer D., Claudia D., Nunya B., and Sherry B. I'll be writing you momentarily to get your shipping address. Watch your email and your spam for a message from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Congratulations!

Check back tomorrow and cross your paws!

Thanks again,

The gator toys and treats to be given away will be photographed and shared on my social media and in the winners announcement on Friday, September 6. These toys have been purchased by me in an effort to soften the tough information above and get you to read it and learn. The Good Buddy treats have been provided by my advertiser, Castor and Pollux.

Unclaimed Gators Get Rehomed

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Gator Toys; "Take Two"

Stranger things have happened I suppose, but I'm still a bit baffled by this one. I refuse to simply redraw new winners without letting you guys in on the scoop. After a highly active series on the dangers of alligators and some safety tips for folks walking dogs near waterways, I recently ran a giveaway for some gator toys.

Tanner did his duty, posing with the prizes. I announced the winners. Normally I receive answers to my emails within a couple of days. Occasionally my emails end up in spam and I resend from another email account. That usually does the trick. But not this time. With 4 winners, only one got in touch. Strange!

At the announcement post for the original winners I have noted this change. I'll offer the winners' names here as well: Chantelle F., Sandy W., and Jenna Z. Thanks for your understanding and patience. I hope to hear from these winners soon!

Gator Toy Winners Learn Safety Issues

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Be Safe in Summer Swimming

Thanks to all of you who joined in the fun of sharing our Gator Safety Rules and entering to win a Gator toy for your dog.

It thrilled me to see how many of you were truly interested in this safety issue and took time to learn and research on your own. Thanks also to those of you who had some great suggestions. We even discovered that there are differing opinions from experts on how to run from a charging gator. Let's hope we never have to try that!

Today we have 4 winners who will each receive a gator toy for their Fido. While these are much safer than playing with the real thing, they're still toys; be sure to offer playtime with supervision. Whether your Fido is playing with a vinyl or plush toy, there are still minor dangers. Always be safe!

Today's winners are Jennifer C., Sherry B., Annette C., and Marlene Smith.  Note that on August 11 I redrew for the winners who have not replied to my email efforts. The new winners are: Chantelle F., Sandy W., and Jenna Z.You'll receive an email from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Be sure to reply with your shipping address and your dog's breed and weight for a surpirse, so we can get your gator toy and goodies to your dog. Enjoy!

Gators Toys for Dogs: A Safer Alternative

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Let's Give Away Gator Toys 

I'll admit it took a little doing, but I've convinced Tanner that we can share these 4 gator toys in honor of educating the dog owning public about gator safety for their dogs. Is your Fido in? Great!

You can win one of these cute gator toys for your pup to help you remember the gator safety rules. You'll find them here. You're going to need to visit this link and read my tips in order to use some of the entry options in the Rafflecopter. Enjoy the journey and good luck!

Oh, and don't forget that the Rafflecopter is rather like a gator. It likes to lay beneath the surface and hide until you come around. To bring it out, you may need to click on the post title to refresh. 

These gator toys were purchased by me to use as an encouragement for you to read up on gator safety for your Fido. Enjoy!

Bonding Through Dog Safety

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Copyright AllThingsDogBlog.com
These Gators are Safe, Tanner

My dogs don't know that I'm keeping them safe when I take certain measures that may not be to their liking. What they do know is that my attitude and approach shows them I care. During the warm months of the year, Tanner is banished from lakefront activities. He's not thrilled about that but it's necessary. Gators...

Yup! They're seeking mates, breeding and nesting between May and early September. That means only one thing to dogs who splash in Florida waterways--trouble! Even retention ponds on our golf courses are hazards, often housing singular, male gators who tend to be loners.

courtesy WTSP.com
Gators Will Seek Water of Just About Any Type

From dusk to dawn gators are most active, but daylight often finds them basking in areas where aqua plants and grasses provide cover. Some are bold enough to come up on lakefront docks to sun themselves, and even seek out other places to cool off, like the pool-crasher in this photo from WTSP.com, a Tampa news channel. I'd like to see Tanner's reaction to this guy on our pool deck. NOT!
And worse yet, imagine this record catch if he were still kicking:

courtesy WTSP.com
How Long?

While searching for statistics, I learned that about 20 dogs are killed each year in Florida by gators. After living here nearly my entire life, I'd concur with that based on news reports and my memory. Oddly the source of this tidbit was a British news site! 

The death of a Dalmatian in Jacksonville underscores the value of following park rules regarding leashing your dog. This 80-pound, off-leash dog was drinking from the lake in a park when he was attacked and killed by a 10 foot gator. While that's a large gator, the dog was no lightweight. Take care to restrain your dog in advance. You won't be able to stop him if he sees a gator, or is attacked by one.

If you read the last line of the Jacksonville report, you'll understand one of the most important points I can stress. Gators migrate from waterway to waterway, seeking food and mates. They are predatory in nature and are known to lie beneath the surface in shallow water, waiting for wildlife, dogs or humans to approach close enough to be ambushed. You'll likely be safe if you avoid waterfront dog walks from late afternoon through mid-morning.

Gators live in waterways throughout the South East United States. Knowing the dangers is part and parcel to being safe. Your dog will know you have good reason if you take him on a lakefront walk and stay well away from the shore with his leash in place. Keep in mind that gators can travel very fast on land; do not approach a sunbathing gator  thinking it will be slow-moving; you'll regret it.

One final tip: Gators over 6 feet in length are considered to be of significant danger,

both to humans and dogs. Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission if you spot one in Florida, or if you have a nuisance gator in your area: 1-866-FWC-GATOR. When living or traveling in other states, search online for local government wildlife organizations if you come upon a large or aggressive gator. It may be your dog or your kid you'll save.

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series.