Urgent Advice Page

[admin]

Vally – I really did laugh out loud about the frog (RAT!) Hilarious! I have a pond in the garden, and both the M’s always showed a lot of interest in it. Many, many times over the years, I have gone to bed, only to be alarmed by a strange noise shortly after turning the lights out. It’s a high pitched scream, followed by the rapid movements of 8 paws. Every time, I would come downstairs to find a frog in stand off with Molly and Mable. Have you heard a frog scream? It’s really rather peculiar, although I am quite used to it now. Molly used to bring them in and hide them under the sofa. The poor things would sit there until it went quiet and then come hopping out, only to be confronted by the cats. Again. I finally became quite used to sweeping them up with a dustpan and brush, and plopping them back in the pond. Not quite as much fun as prodding them with umbrella’s into bags though ;)

Thanks for the laugh, I loved your frog story. And Patrice, your frog is very handsome!

Mary x

• This reply was modified 10 years, 10 months ago by admin.

[Vally]

Mary, we have cane toads which are poisonous to pets. They are everywhere in Queensland but on their march down into New South Wales. I was seriously terrified it may have been a toad and was worried about Bingo (who just slept through the whole drama).

Oh I don’t think I could handle the scream in the middle of the night. All yours!!!

Vally.

[Linda]

Yes indeed, handsome frog. Agree, he’s all yours. Although, would never, ever hurt one in any way.

We have these frogs here in FL that are huge and spit poison. They are not native to FL, but were apparently brought here from South America and of course, have reproduced. They are enormous in size. My dad had one in his pond in his backyard. He was most likely looking for diner in dad’s beloved minnows. It seems he had a broken leg. My dad, not realizing he he was poisonous, of course, tried to catch him to try to help him. Thank goodness he jumped into the pond. My brother, later, upon my dad’s request for help, went over and confirmed he was of the poi nous variety. Thank goodness my dad did not get him as he was bent over trying to catch him. They spit for the eyes and can blind. BTW – dad will be 99 in September. This was last year. You talk about antics – Sam keeps us on our toes! ;)

Love to all, Linda and Sadie

[admin]

Oh goodness, I had forgotten about the cane toads. No wonder you were worried! Oz is a fabulous country but there are a lot of dangers for sure.

It reminds me a bit of Bill Bryson’s book about Australia, “Down Under”. If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend it. He talks about what a mysterious and fascinating island it is. Of Australia, he says “This is a country where even the fluffiest of caterpillars can lay you out with a toxic nip, where seashells will not just sting you but actually sometimes go for you”.

The little screaming frogs here are nothing in comparison!

Mary x

• This reply was modified 10 years, 10 months ago by admin.
• This reply was modified 10 years, 10 months ago by admin.

[admin]

Linda, it sounds as though you also have quite alarming amphibians where you are! It’s really very boring here. It does sound like you need to be very careful with these frogs. I’ve not heard of them but know there are several South American species which are very poisonous. What a relief your Dad didn’t manage to catch him. 99 is some achievement! I hope he’s given up helping poorly frogs though!

Mary x

[Vally]

I think these are probably what we call cane toads Linda. They originally came from South America and were imported here to control pests. Well that worked didn’t it.

[Linda]

Update: poisonous frogs. Apparently I am Totally wrong, these frogs do not spit, but excrete toxins from their skin, which is extremely toxic. In researching, I found that apparently we loose pets to this way too often. And they seem to be all over. I had no idea they were so prolithic here in Florida. And Vally, I am quite sure you are right, they are the cane toads. I don’t like killing anything living, but I will be on the outlook. Was that what was in your house?

Luckily, Sadie is not into catching lizards and/or frogs (so far). Geese – one more thing to worry about with our pups/kitties.

Love and hugs, Linda and Sadie