Animal Reports: A Squirrel Trapped in a Bird Feeder and More

Monroe Animal Control has a new resident in its facility at 447 Purdy Hill Road. It’s sharing the building with Prancer, the ultimate Alpha Dog waiting for the "right" owner to adopt him. But never the twain shall meet.

The new pup, dubbed "Scuffles?" is a joyful male beagle, who is about a year old. A Blueberry Hill Road resident reported him in the middle or the intersection at Monroe Turnpike and Purdy Hill Road by Walgreens.

He was rescued by Animal Control and taken to safety at the facility. No one has reported him lost. He had no collar or microchip. He's playful, loving and loves to run. Hopefully his owner will claim him soon. But, if no one claims him, he'll be available for adoption after Christmas and make some family a wonderful pet. (See photo.)

The right adoptive parents have not showed up for Prancer, yet. He is filling out nicely after being found on the railroad tracks over near Shelton and is becoming downright beautiful. His unusual Dalmatian-like markings are awesome. As is his intelligence.

Prancer will have you sized up in minutes, and he'll never forget you. He has some aggression issues which the "right" owner will be able to train out of him. The work will be worth it. He needs a loving, yet strong Alpha owner. No kids, no other animals, but plenty of coffee, his favorite treat.

Animal Control will be keeping Prancer until the right owners apply. Meanwhile,  interviews are being conducted for his adoption. If you think you're the right person to give Prancer a home by Christmas, go meet him. You'll both know. Contact Officer Ed Risko for more information.

Running dogs

Dec. 14, 8:49 a.m. — The owner of an unlicensed yellow lab, let him off-leash during the Plunge at the Park festivities. A great pup temporarily wearing a plunge Tee-shirt, he was unaware that his master was breaking the law in Monroe. The out-of-town owner was given a written warning for creating a nuisance and failure to license a dog.

In Monroe there's no excuse for not licensing your canine. It's for the dog's protection and an owner's responsibility. To not license, definitely puts you on Santa's "Naughty" list.

Dec. 8, 12:01 a.m. — Another yellow lab retriever was reported lost by its frantic Hattertown Road owner. The dog was reported found by a relieved owner later that same night.

At 2:58 p.m. — A Misty Lane resident spotted a roaming dog, possibly a brown chow, on Nancy Drive. A computer search located the owner, who was advised of the complaint. The 14-year old pet, who had no health issues was reunited with its owner.

At 9:48 p.m. — A worried Trumbull resident on Cottage Street reported her year-old, 10-pound Lhasa Apso missing. After three stressful days, the gray and white pup was found by its owner several blocks away, uninjured and anxious to go home.

Dec. 9, 1:12 p.m. — A heartsick Stratford resident on Cottage Place reported her female chocolate lab retriever gone. The animal "Anna" may have been snatched and transported, so keep your eyes open for it. (See Photo) The pup has a microchip. If you think you see Anna, keep the dog in sight and call Animal Control immediately. 

At 7:39 p.m. — A Still Meadow Circle resident reported a German Shepherd Dog at her doorstep. The owner was known and given a written warning for a Roaming Dog Violation. The dog, like so many pets, is a victim of divorce. As property, he lives with the ex-husband, but once beyond his electric fence, he seeks his mistress.

Dec. 12, 11:15 a.m. — A four-legged Forest Road resident showed up in the yard of a Glenbrook Drive homeowner and was reported. Its owner was issued a written warned for Creating a Nuisance and Roaming Dog violation. 

Dec. 13, 9:27 p.m. — a Riding Ridge Road resident was pet-sitting a Massachusetts dog in her home. The dog disappeared. Panicked, she called Animal Control to alert them to her loss. She finally found the homesick pup inside the house, under the bed.

Encounters

Dec. 9, 9:29 a.m. — A Monroe Turnpike resident called to report a squirrel in her basement. Responding officers were unable to locate the animal and she was advised to open a window to allow the furry rodent's escape. 

At 2:50 p.m. — A Jockey Hollow Road homeowner reported a squirrel trapped in her bird feeder. Officers removed and released the little thief. Examination of the feeder showed that squirrels had been working their way in for some time. It was recommended that the damaged bird feeder be removed to prevent further entrapment.

Dec. 12, 2:47 p.m. — A resident on Weekepegme Terrace reported a  sick raccoon in the yard. The animal was unable to be located by the responding officer. Based upon the woman's description of the animal's behavior, it's believed that the animal was simply displaying normal winter feeding activity.

Raccoons are opportunistic, and it was probably taking advantage of the good weather to find food. It was drawn to the property by bird feeders, hid when it felt threatened, came back out when it thought it was safe and continued eating. Finally, it ambled back into the tree line with a full tummy. 

Casualties

Only two deer were hit and killed by motor vehicles last week — at 838 Main Street and at 345 Monroe Turnpike. Hopefully that means local drivers are driving at night with eyes to the right to spot animals about to cross.

Thank you

The Sword family of Wheeler Road dropped off a cozy polyester blanket. The Magri family who adopted Sophie, a black little ragamuffin of a dog a year ago, sent a $50 donation along with her picture in winter wear. And the Raymond family donated a 30-gallon aquarium with stand. Thank you all for making a more comfortable world for creatures great and small.

The Monroe Animal Control office and pound is located in the school bus yard at 447 Purdy Hill Road. It’s the small, reddish brown building to the left and is open to the public seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Remember. Monroe’s creatures were here first. Respect them. Enjoy them. And if you need help with them, call Officer Ed Risko at Animal Control (203)452-3760. For an Animal Emergency call (203)261-3622.