Gracie was a bad girl :(

We took Gracie out this morning to go potty. A little baby bird was out there that we didn't see. Gracie caught the bird, we told her to drop which she did. We picked up the bird so Gracie wouldn't do any further damage to it. I called the vet and they said to put it outside of the yard and let nature take it's course. While I was talking to the vet the little bird flew off my hand and Gracie grabbed it again. My husband ran and grabbed the bird but this time it was bleeding. We set it outside the fence and wished it the best. I have no idea what else to do. I will go out later to check on it. :( I feel so guilty now that Gracie caught it, I know she was just following her instincs. But it was only a baby.

:(
Katie

Please, don't just leave it outside like the vet said.

Look in a phone book and find a wildlife rehabilitator. Take it there, they will know what to do. Or, even call a different vet and ask them if they know a place where you could take it.

Here are some links that might help:

http://www.exotichobbyist.com/articles/WildBabies.html

http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/wildlife.html

http://www.stluciaanimals.org/wildlife.php

http://www.salem-audubon.org/helping.html

http://www.eraptors.org/whenbirdscantfly.htm


I haven't read through all of them, but the sites might help. :)

We went out and pick up the bird, the bleeding has stopped. We took it down to a nature center about 10 miles away from us. We gave the bird to the rehabilitator at the nature center. They said they would take care of the bird. They said that they would call us if something unfortunate were to happen to it.

Thank you everyone for the help you have givin us.

Katie

Please don't trouble yourself with guilt and regret. Hound people in general have had to witness many incidents in which their hounds were just "following instinct". It's sad and a bit disappointing (and to me, GROSS), but hey, it's nature! Giselle has killed many baby birds, but it's her nature and nobody can help it. Sorry you had to witness it :( I'm just glad you saved it and brought it to a wildlife rehab center. Good for you :)

:( Gracie's not really a bad girl--I know, you feel so bad for the little animal/bird, but instinct is instinct. Hounds aren't the only ones; huskies are notorious for their strong prey instinct. We've picked up many little bodies over the years. Fortunately Star is an excellent hunter, fast & efficient, so at least I know they weren't left there injured & in pain. I'm so sorry you had to see the little bird get hurt. I think it's admirable that you took it to a nature center - at least it has a chance now.:)