DEAR JOAN: Yesterday we buried a beautiful mature owl that died in our backyard. Why or how remains a question. I called the Lindsay Wildlife Experience to ask if they wanted us to bring it to them, but they said no, just to dispose of the body in the trash.
Well, we could not do that. We believe the owl found us for a reason. As a family we decided the best place for the beautiful owl was to be buried next to our newly planted orange tree.
We placed white flowers and put some bird seed inside the grave, as a way to give us some comfort. Then we gathered around, lit some white sage and prayed, asking that the owl soar and greet all the beautiful birds waiting for it.
I was heartbroken to see such a magical creature lifeless. Normally we have living animals that visit us. I feel blessed that we were able to make sure that we gave it a loving place.
Lynda Nunn
Bay Area
DEAR LYNDA: That is such a tragedy. Owls are wonderful and amazing birds.
I admire their hunting talent, their ability to swoop down on unsuspecting prey in complete silence.
I feel pangs for the rabbits and rodents that end up as dinner for the owl and its family, but you have to respect all that power.
Death comes to all living creatures and we will never know whether this bird simply died of old age, from injury (barn owls hunt by flying low over the ground, putting them at greater risk of being hit by a vehicle) or the result of unintentional poisoning — yet another reminder to please not use rodenticides.
It was kind of you to honor the bird’s life with a lovely ceremony.
Dog needs help
A lot of animals need homes and care, but I recently learned about a sweet little Yorkie that captured my heart.
An Antioch Animal Services officer found Jameson, as he is now called, dragging himself down the street. The officer rescued him and took him to the shelter, where he caught the attention of K9 Paw Print Rescue, a nonprofit animal group based in Pittsburg.
Tiffany Mittelman, president of the group, says her organization took the dog into its program and began getting the little guy some much needed medical attention.
Jameson had paralysis in his rear legs and back, possibly from a compressed disc. They suspect he was hit by a car.
In the couple of weeks that he’s been in loving hands, his condition has improved remarkably. Jameson now is able to walk and even wag his tail.
Veterinarians have treated him with steroids; he now is on “cage rest.”
He still needs some treatments and therapy, but he is getting stronger every day, Mittelman says.
What Jameson, estimated to be about 3 years old, really needs now is a good home. Mittelman says Jameson is great around other dogs, cats and people, and should make a wonderful companion.
The group will oversee his medical treatment, but if you’ve got a place in your heart and home for this cutie, contact K9 Paw Print Rescue at its website, www.k9pawprintrescue.org.
You also can donate to his care and other animals’ care by going to www.k9pawprintrescue.org/donations.html, or sending checks to K9 Paw Print Rescue, P.O. Box 9354, Pittsburg, CA 94565.
Let’s get Jameson his forever home.
Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/AskJoanMorris.
