Hazel nabbed this fox by the house this morning, mortally wounding him so he couldn’t walk and Rick was able to shoot him. We are all exhausted! My next step is to take the flashlight and look into the brush piles out in the grove. Remember me saying I found no feathers in the yard? Only inside the barn were there feathers so now I’m wondering if the brush piles hold clues.
Hazel has redeemed herself for any and all obnoxious manners. Here are a few more pictures of the whole ordeal.
I was terrified that Hazel would get bit! I had to scream at her to get her into the house!
After seeing this I went on to do chores when I heard Hazel barking incessantly by the house. When I investigated I found Hazel attacking the fox by the house.
I did call the vet – Hazel’s rabies is up to date but I do not think she got bit. I told my vet to put a gold star on Hazel’s record. She earned it.
I think I need an ice tea and it’s just noon!
WOW
First read this morning. Now that was some excitement!
Fran
Carson, IA
OMG great job Hazel!!
I wonder how the fox got in your yard with the fencing that goes deep in the ground ?
Wonderful little dog Hazel!! Is this particular post actually in the “Uncategorized” section?!?! Time to move it into the one labeled “WonderDog!!”
Hazel to the rescue! she is fierce for her small size. I hope you have your answer on what was happening to the chickens. I would need more than one ice tea, lol.
That Hazel is a wonder dog! Loved the comment about the “iced tea”
Good for Hazel! Terriers are amazing little dogs. I hope you don’t have any more trouble, but…nature.
HAZEL YOU ARE JUST AMAZING!! So thankful you didn’t get hurt.
Way to go Hazel! She deserves more than a gold star. She and my Sammie would be buddies because they are both good hunters, except Sammie has had two close encounters with skunks lately, skunked and killed the first one and just skunked by the second.
I knew it was a fox that got your beautiful girls and I don’t think you will find feathers, I never found any on my farm at all. Keep up the good work Hazel girl!!
Linda – we have so many questions – did that fox jump over a 4’ fence? Is his den in our grove? Did one of the big dogs get to him first to cripple him and then Hazel joined in? We rarely “see” foxes around here because of all the food supply for them – dead hogs around every hog confinement so why would a fox bother with a skinny chicken? We are mystified. Oh, Sammie! How about the other dogs? Did they join in? Ugh
All I can say is wow. The fox must have been the culprit. But how did it get in the barn? I amazed that little Hazel could kill the fox. I would have thought the fox would run away. Brave Hazel. Yes that would be my concern – rabies. But did she bite him in the neck and break the skin. I’m sure you are relieved. Hope there are no more.
Pat in Md
I’m with Sandra Goddard. The fox doesn’t look very healthy. It is hard to tell in the pictures. The chickens were an easy meal. There are probably more foxes around……. Just what you need. Another of God’s creatures?
Mary, I think it is great that you are making some of your patterns available for your readers. We “older” readers were so lucky to have your quilt shop and all the wonderful patterns and the collection of critters, too. I always thought it was an old age farm for animals? This way, you get a whole new following. They missed the shop but get to enjoy your creations.
Now we get to enjoy all the great Christmas decorations. Take care. Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I’m going to show a picture to my vet – why is his tail so sparse?
Now to find out how it got inside your yard!! Any digging under the fence?? Kudos to Hazel!! What an Animal!!
Rosemary – no digging but could it have jumped up and over the picket fence in the yard? That’s only 4’. I haven’t figured that out yet but I hope to. The chain link fence has another 6-10” piece at the bottom that goes down into the ground – there’s no gap big enough.
Yay…. An answer!!
Hazel – she’s doing her job!
XXOO
PS – thanks for my book!
Jenny – yes, Hazel is top dog tonight!! Hope you enjoy the book?
How scary for you, I would being in a panic.
Good job Hazel!!
Hope you sleep well, now you know the other chickens should be safe.
Gold Medal for Miss Hazel! And I bet she found your culprit! We have lots of foxes here in town that go after the rabbits. 😢. They are beautiful, but not when you have barnyard friends.
This is the blog about nothing? More like… never a dull moment!
Kudos to Hazel for her brave but maybe slightly crazy act. Hope things calm down again
So proud of Hazel!!!!
Our hero…..big hug.
Finally answers and some peace. Hazel is a hero!
I hope this ends the destruction of your chickens. Is Hazel afraid of anything?
Jill – the only thing we can think of is thunder!
Mary I’m sure Hazel was protecting you. She did a wonderful job. Glad she was not hurt and you were able to get rid of the culprit .
Last night we had a coyote go between the house and garage. Walk down the sidewalk to the back yard. The is a mere 25 feet between the house and garage. I hate that it gets dark so early. Stay safe and carry a club with you or a heavy flashlight.
What an amazing dog Hazel is. The superhero of the dog world! Someone just donated several boxes of fabric to our quilt guild. We plan on selling part of it to our members and the rest will be used for charity quilts. Hidden between the fabric was a kit for Country Threads This Old Farmhouse with pattern! I am jumping on that purchase and the money will go to a good cause. Enjoy your evening. I am off to watch Miami play Kentucky BB.
OMG, Mary! That Hazel is really something! It’s too bad innocent chickens are so vulnerable to a variety of prey. Take Care, 🥰
Wow, I do believe Hazel caught your culprit. That’s amazing that Hazel did what she did for such a little dog. She deserves a gold star for sure! Maybe you can rest a little now.
I’ve lost my two dogs in seven months and reading about your dogs and farm life has enriched my life. I’m so sorry to hear about your Rosie. Pets make our lives so rich. I love pets so much. I’m going to take a break from getting another dog right now. This latest loss still hits me pretty hard.
I so enjoy your sharing with us all. Hazel is your hero this week!!!!
Sincerely yours, Kathy Burton from Ohio
Hazel the Wonder Dog! Glad it was daylight for all the excitement!
Ron says that Hazel is something else. Way to go Hazel
Brenda – tell Ron I always knew she was something else! Haha!! I’ll bet Ron wants her, doesn’t he? Too funny!
Hazel deserves extra treats for that battle, So glad that she was not hurt!
I’m hoping that fox was your culprit!! So hoping that Hazel will be fine! That’s a big animal to take on!!
Jill – Hazel thinks she’s a pitbull!
I echo what Sandra Goddard wrote. If you haven’t done so perhaps ask your vet if there is anything you can proactively do for all your dogs. I’m glad Hazel didn’t get bit. It’s always scary when our dogs take on wild animals
Marie – I did call my vet and she said Hazel’s rabies is up to date and we’re good! I told her to make a note in Hazel’s file and give her a gold star!
You’ve probably got a fox den somewhere near. We had foxes with kits under one of our sheds. The kits were cute to watch. We had chickens then, but for some reason, they didn’t bother our chickens. Probably because of our dogs. But, my husband found chicken heads out behind the shed that they had been eating on. The chickens probably came from our neighbor’s farm. They carried them about a 1/2 mile.
Susan – it’s the wrong time of the year for babies but you can bet I’ll be on alert next spring!
Way to go Hazel!! Definitely deserves a gold star. So glad the mystery has been solved and the chickens are safe. Mary your days are certainly never dull. Thank you for sharing all your adventures on the farm with
us readers. Get some rest tonight you all deserve it.
Sheila from MA
Your life is a circus. Thank you for making me laugh
Mary the pictures look like the fox was mangy? Watch Hazel for any signs of itching etc.
I thought it could be a fox. I mentioned it in my last comments. So glad your pup is fine. We had a red fox grab a call duck once right in front of our eyes. They are bold little critters! Problem solved thank goodness!!
HAZEL IS AWESOME! Mary, you deserve that tea watching this unfold!
Kudos to Hazel ! So happy she didn’t get bit in the melee! She is a wonderful farm dog !
That Hazel is “some dog”!!! So glad you found the predator.
So glad this nightmare is over. We had a fox get some of our chickens in broad daylight several years ago. It did come back, but my husband did put an end to that. Since then I do not like any fox. That Hazel is a brave dog to take on something a little bigger than her. I, too, hope there are not more around there.
Good for Hazel, the protective fearless hunter! Could have been a Beer moment later?
Been a quiet day here with the service for R.Carter on CNN!
When the two men were hunting Deer n Elk yesterday there was a Deer being chased by a Fox across a field; then the Deer started chasing the Fox 🦊!
Was a chilly 12o this morning here.
No new snow!
Launa
So glad you got your predator!
Wow Mary, what an exciting morning for you and your sweet Hazel! An ice tea or two were all earned today for you and a special treat/toy for GUARD DOG HAZEL! Hopefully you will find some clues in the bushes…
Make sure there are no more foxes, they tend to be in pairs or families.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
So proud of Hazel. The puzzle has been solved.
Wow! What a great dog!
Oh my goodness. I agree …you need an ice tea.
Looks like you caught the theif.
Wow!!! Good job, Hazel! Hey, it’s 5:00 somewhere so enjoy that iced tea anytime you want to!!! You had an exciting day.
Way to go Hazel! What a brave, fearless little dog!
Judy
yaaaa Hazel and Rick !!!!!!
thanks for the glass case idea. Still in the process of copying your idea. some went as hostess gifts at the Thanksgiving gathering. All very well received. Some will be cradling cellphones as well.
So sorry for the loss of your chickens, but glad Hazel eliminated the thieving culprit. I hope that fox was the only one. A couple years ago, I lost an entire flock to predator(s). Was either a fox or coyote. Like yourself, I was grief-stricken. A chicken has no defense. Since then, I’ve acquired a Great Pyrenees…he has been a great guard dog at my farm.
Thank you for offering your quilt patterns. I’ll be sending you my order. I may be mistaken, but I only see 7 Christmas patterns: Out on a Limb, Christmas Morning, Star Quilt, Noel, Uncle Santa, O Holy Night, and Candy Cane. Maybe one of the pictures didn’t load for me. What one am I missing?
MissyAnn – no number 6 ! – I’ll find one for number 6 tonight!!
Wow that is amazing!!! Good girl Hazel! So glad the mystery is solved! What kind of terrier is Hazel? I’m so impressed by her hunting/attack skills! What a great protector she is! Enjoy that tea or two 😊
Sally – Hazel is a purebred Jack Russell Terrier born in Colorado to a friend of a friend. We drove there to get her, picked her up and drove back the next day in March 2017
Oh my goodness!!!! What a good dog!!!!
Good for Hazel!!! Glad she dealt with the varmint!!!
Good girl Hazel !! Our former neighbor has chickens and moved away from where we are (middle of nowhere ) closer to town . More Fox in town evidently because they lost chickens too 🙁
I’m drinking an iced tea for all of you !!
Good girl Hazel! So frightening though. Glad she was not bitten.
Omg Mary! What an exciting morning. I hope it’s the only fox around. Hope your chickens will be safe now. Hazel is an amazing dog! Enjoy your “iced tea”.
What a dog, that Hazel.
Hazel! What a rock star. I was nervous reading your story. I can only imagine how you felt. I think I need an iced tea. Hopefully mystery solved.
Omg, make that ice tea a double! One fox and all those chickens? WOW! What a pain in the butt for you, Mary, and heartache; extra treats for Hazel tonight while you indulge. What a good hunter she is! Glad the only one hurt was Mr. Fox!
We’ve had foxes run around by us carrying critters in their mouths to feed babies so we won’t let our dogs out without being near them anymore even with a fenced in yard. Honestly I’d be barfing my brains out watching all this unfold so kudos for your toughness Mary.
Kathy – AND I had to drag the dead body out of the weeds!
Make it a TALL ice tea! Whew!
What a morning! So glad everyone is OK. Please keep an eye out. Foxes tend to live in pairs or small family groups, so there may be more. I hope not for your sake. Is there a new toy in Hazel’s future by any chance?
Hurrah for Hazel!!! 🦊 And Mary, you are a great detective! I’m anxious to hear the report on what you find in, or near, the brush piles. Enjoy your iced tea! 🤗
Bonnie in Oregon
My husband, Robert, says Hazel must have been watching the AKC National Dog Show last week. He said Hazel just won the Best of Show Trophy for Iowa farm dogs! Ha! Kris
Way to go, Hazel, way to go! (Chant that in the cheer leader cadence!)
Kris – I did just chant this to her!!!
Good girl Hazel was! Enjoy your tea!
Yes you and Hazel and Rick all need an ice tea. Hazel might enjoy red wine better though.
Glad you got this problem solved.
So sorry for the loss of your dear hens.
Shirley fro. OREGON
Great job Hazel!! She did just what comes natural for Jack Russell terriers! She’s worth her weight in gold!! I thought it had to be either a fox or coyote that got your chickens. We have both here in SW Ohio in a residential neighborhood. I’ve only seen a fox here at dusk. Coyotes I’ve seen in broad daylight. I’ve also heard them at night. I no longer walk my small dog (on a leash) at night. So happy you have answers to the disappearing chickens! You’ve earned that ice tea, & Hazel has earned a new toy!!
Wow! That Hazel is brave! I think I would have had a heart attack fearing for Hazels safety. Hope there are no more problems. You could use some peace and quiet.
Margie – I was screaming at the top of my lungs to get her to come with me to the house – she did finally come with me but I hated to deny her the challenge and “fun” that she, as a JRT, deserved!
WOW!!! I felt in my heart that it was a fox. They are so sly and sneaky. Also smart. I guess you need to look for more of them, especially a mate. Take Hazel with you. You must have been terrified for Hazel, and very proud of her at the same time. She got a Fox…that’s amazing. Gold Star for Hazel!!
Perfect terrier behavior!! Kudos to Hazel! Mary, I think you deserve a beer or 2!!!
Hazel saves the day again! She deserves more than a gold star … and you deserve more than 1 iced tea … enjoy!
So proud of Hazel the Hunter!!!
I bet he’s your culprit especially if he was in your yard. Hazel should get the royal treatment from now on. Hope this will end your chicken problems.
I need an “ice tea” just reading this and looking at the pictures. Hazel, you are the best!
Mary,
Hazel has earned her keep and then some! Wow, she is amazing – I am so glad the fox didn’t hurt her. I wonder if the fox carried off the chickens to feed young ones? It doesn’t take away the pain of losing your chickens but at least now you know who the culprit was and what happened.
Very cold here today but at least the sun is shining so that helps and we have a warm up on the way.
Hope you can rest easier knowing what predator was responsible and go ahead and enjoy that “iced tea”!
I didn’t comment earlier regarding the condolences I received regarding the loss of Snickers, but I want to thank you all. It means alot and day by day it will get better.
Melody – I hope each day brings you just a bit more peace – I know it’s a long process and doesn’t really ever end
That little Hazel is an amazing dog. Her size doesn’t measure up to her strength and tenacity. Is she afraid of anything? ? I truly admire her but am so glad I don’t have to clean up after her hunt! She puts many hunters to shame. lol.
Great job, Hazel. She’s worth her weight in gold. I suspect a fox (or a family) is the one who killed and took your chickens. I wonder if this was a mother who was hunting for her kits? Hope you can eliminate them if they are present. Drink the ice tea – you deserve it.
Whew! Hazel Ali! She is very brave. Did the Fish and Game people come get the fox to check it for diseases? Good thing Hazel has had her rabies shot. I am so glad this may be over for you and the chickens.
Cold here today—23* with a few flakes.
Great news! I hope that fox has no cousins or friends out there! Extra treats for Hazel today. And a good night’s sleep for every creature on the farm!
Hazel is so brave!! I’d need2 teas and a nap.😂😂 I’m down in lower Alabama and we’re getting warnings of coyotes being seen and to keep a close eye on our small animals and dogs. That worries me, one of my fur babies is only 6 lbs. You also have to watch for hawks.Take care. Hugs,
Hurray for Hazel! That fox won’t be stealing anymore chickens. I’m glad you found your culprit!
Wow Mary! Hazel is such a brave girl! Let’s hope that is the only fox around! Extra rations for Hazel tonight! Take care everyone, who said this was a blog about nothing?,!. Best wishes from Sandy
Well, this is all heartbreaking!
Yeah Hazel! You go girl. So glad the mystery creature is no longer. Mid 70’s but rain for next few days. The roses are still blooming. I hate to cut them back. It’s an ice tea day!
That sure was more activity than you needed but the end result is all positive. You and Rick deserve 2 iced teas and Hazel deserves a new toy to destroy.
Wow Hazel….amazing bravery……You go for that ice tea!!!
Mary, I am so impressed you were able to take pictures!!
Oh, wow! What a brave dog! In spite of the trauma, I imagine you are relieved to have a beginning of understanding what happened! Whew! I think I’d need an ice tea, too!
Go Hazel!!!
Wow…so much excitement for this city slicker! Good girl Hazel! Maybe an extra treat!!!!
Give Hazel a slurp of that tea!!
She’s earned and would probably love it!😅😅
Earned it