Quality of life on STT for transplanted larger, active dog breeds

Dear Eggman,

When our large-breed dog was a puppy, we took him to some of the more out-of-the-way beaches. He's so big (and so energetic) now, we've stayed away from the beach, with the exception of Barktoberfest, a Humane Society event that happens every year at Bolongo beach.

We have a big back yard for our dog to romp around in, but before we lived here, we lived in a small (fenceless) cottage, so we just took him for walks.

As far as "strays"- well, in my experience, it's not strays that are the problem, it's the fact that a LOT of folks here just don't keep their dogs in. The dogs usually stay around their houses, but sometimes they pack, and that can be a nuisance.

Pests- mosquitos, ticks, fleas- you've got it covered. We've never had a problem with gungalos (sp?), tarantulas, snakes, etc- and they are here- we see them a lot. Our dog did get bitten on the snout by something (a spider? a wasp?), and a day of rest and a Benadryl (prescribed by vet, picked up late at KMart) was all it took to cure it.

I've never tried to find an off-leash doggie park, so I'm not sure if one exists or not. Perhaps others on this board can guide you there.

For insurance reasons, we keep our dog either on our property or on a leash when we're out.

And though you didn't ask, I can't resist a plug here (though I am in no way affiliated, just a happy customer)- Dr. Tripp Stewart at Imperial Animal Hospital is fantastic. Really the best vet we've ever gone to.

Hope this helps- if you've got any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Best,

LR

You mentioned taking your dog for walks before you had the big backyard. I have 2 large dogs and am thinking of moving to St. Croix. Were the walks difficult with the curvy roads and off-leash dogs? When we vistied all 3 islands in February, I was having a hard time envisioning walking them!

LR,

Thanks so much for your feedback, especially re: the distinction between strays and off-leash wanderers. The island reptiles/arachnids/insects seem a little more problematic than what we have here in Minnesota (after all they freeze/die/go dormant for 7-8 months of our winter) but it's good to know you have a solid vet recommendation. It's so great to have someone you trust taking care of your animals. I won't go so far as to say it's like finding a good pediatrician but it's darn close for us dog nuts! By the way, LR, I've also sent you a PM.

Eggman

Eggman,

PM'd you back.

Texas girl (me too!)- we live in St. Thomas, which has its flat areas and it's reeeeeally steep areas. We live in a steep area, so taking the dog for a walk is good exercise. 🙂
There aren't that many sidewalks in our residential area, so walking along the main roads are a challenge. And as I mentioned earlier, we've encountered LOTS of off-leash dogs in our neighborhood, which can be an additional challenge.

We don't walk him that much- he has a big yard to romp around in (thank goodness!)

From what little I have experienced of STX, it seems to have some flatter areas, so I guess it just depends where you live.

Best,

LR

I have two fairly large dogs: one is 60 lbs and the other is 100 lbs.

We regularly take ours to the Reichold Center at UVI for on-leash walks, to the right of Brewers Bay for off-leash walks along the beach and to President's Beach (next to little Magen's) for off-leash swimming fun.

The first year our 60lb dog got an accelerated and scary form of tick fever that almost killed her. Dr Williamson did an amazing job healing her, but now we go to Imperial Animal Hospital since we moved to the Northwest of the island.

Vis a vis strays, LR got it right...people just let their dogs wander aimlessly day and night. I would not recommend doing so, if only to keep your pooch safe from the crazies who like to poison dogs or kidnap them for fighting purposes.

As you can see, a good quality of life is possible but you will need to really search out the places to get your dogs exercised. Also, I understand that the new humane society location is to include a public off-leash dog park. YEAH!

Ah, yes

Onika brings up a good point. It is an unfortunate (from what I hear) long-standing occurrence on the islands that some dogs are poisoned.

I have yet to hear why (some people say that only dogs who are "loose" and a threat to livestock are targeted, others say it's personal vendettas, still others say there's no rhyme or reason, just random malicious acts)....but dogs do get poisoned here. I have heard of several cases from people I know. I've also heard anecdotal evidence of dogs being stolen (to fight or act as "bait"), but have never know anyone that has happened to.

Another case- point well made, Onika- for keeping your dog inside your home's borders and under your control!

I am thrilled about the upcoming "doggie play area" at the Humane Society's new campus. Not sure when it's going to happen- I have heard that they are shooting for 2007 opening? But in light of Joe Elmore's departure, I can only hope that it's still on-schedule.

Preventic collars seem to do a fairly good job with the ticks- but sometimes it just gets bad! We've had to treat the yard, use the collars and the topical treatments, AND check our dog on a daily basis.

Sorry to hear that your pooch got tick fever, Onika, and glad she has recovered!

Best,

LR

I do not condone poisoning animals but I often wonder if those who do poison animals are doing so in an effort to be able to get some sleep at night. There are some dogs and cats in my neighborhood that I wish would stow away in someone's luggage bound for the states.

We had friends who moved to STX with a perfectly healthy 3 year-old golden lab. The do was allergic to some of the vegitation (they never did find out what) on island. After almost a year of hair falling out, getting shots and wearing one of those funnel things to keep him from scratching himself, they had to go back to the states. That poor dog lost weight and hair!! He looked pathetic! The family is back in Florida and the dog is fine.

Eggie: I have to say I don't think I have ever seen anyone subscribe to the bagging laws here. That is one reason I don't like to go to the doggie beaches. And I LOVE doggies!

I don't think anyone has addressed heartworms yet.

One good thing is there is no rabies.

EE--In defense of dog owners, we use the little blue baggies that hang on the dog's collar. I have seen them sold here so there must be other dog owners who are picking up after their pooches.

Re. heartworms. Our dogs are on Revolution, which is a cocktail preventive medicine that attacks ticks, heartworms, and fleas. They are also on Preventic collars for a double dose of protection.

LR, lets keep our fingers crossed that the next Exec. Dir. is as committed as Joe!

Onika: I know you would do the right thing! But I have never seen anyone out here on the east end picking up. And I know I haven't seen it at Hull Bay (the only doggie beach I frequent.)

Even in the nicer neighborhoods there are a lot of dogs that are allowed to roam around-- particularly large ones like German shepherds and rottweilers. Apparently this is considered to be the most effective home security system. As one local put it, "why would someone burglarize my home with a large German shepherd standing guard when the house next door has no dog".

I like dogs but am not a fan of dogs roaming around my property, nor do I enjoy having my paradise disturbed by barking dogs. Oh well, barking dogs are a fact of life everywhere-- I'm sure I can deal with it!