Hello all,

I hope that Riley is healing and adjusting to his new circumstances. I also hope his pawrents are well.

I am heavily involved in cougar issues in Washington, and was very interested in Riley's case when I heard about it. All the information I could find indicated that the attack was not by a cougar. The description of injuries is consistent with an attack by a dog, not a cougar. The neighbor's dog that was killed months earlier also had signs of a dog attack, not cougar.

Cougars are efficient killers (about 80% success against deer), frequently taking down prey five times their own weight. They nearly always make a neck or head attack, whereas canids attack the legs. Other indicators of the affair say "Not cougar." I have discussed Riley's ordeal with cougar biologists and other experts, all agree that it was probably an attack by a dog. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to file a report of any interaction with bears, wolves, or cougars, but no report was filed for Riley, or the other neighbor's dog. Television reporters, however, find a more sensational story to call it a cougar attack, and get increased viewer audience from their mendacity and sloppy reporting. A little panic never hurts ratings.

I'm pleased to find there is a support group for tri-pawed dog owners, and that you are able to help Riley and his family. For years, one of my neighbors had a tri-pawed dog, and it seemed to be a happy critter, out and about, doing dog things. It is right and fitting that these dogs have a loving home and a happy life.

Bob

For information regarding pet and livestock safety in cougar territory, see http://www.moun.....esteps.asp