Other Critters - Athena and Greg,
Oasis' Protectors

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Since The Oasis Sanctuary is in such a remote rural location, predators abound. Spotted on Oasis' land, either visually or by their footprints and spoor (droppings) are such critters as Javalina, Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Civets, Black Bear, Coyotes and Cougars. Additionally, "la serpiente de Cascabel" means "Rattlesnake" in Spanish, and, during the summer there are many snakes of various sorts around here.

The Skunks and Raccoons are the animals that most often try to get into the fenced area where the birds are housed. Snakes have come in as well, but they are interested in the field mice and gophers whose lairs tunnel underground. Although the fencing has been electrified to discourage predators, we have found that the best deterrent and warning system are the two dogs who spend each and every night with the birds.

Greg is one of TJ's dogs. A big white dog, possibly chow or husky or golden retriever mix, he came into TJ's life six or seven years ago when he was not much more than a pup. He was found running down a busy street in the Phoenix area, with a choke chain around his neck which was so tight it was cutting into his flesh and making simple breathing a chore. It was apparent that this was a dog that had never been shown love, never been allowed in a home. By the time I met Greg five years ago, he was a loving and friendly dog...to people he knows.

Athena was acquired by the Sanctuary specifically to live with and help take care of the birds. She is a 7/8 Great Pyreneese, 1/8 Anatolian bred for livestock protection. At a year she is not yet full-grown. She weighs around 95 pounds but will be close to 135 pounds in another year. Her mom whelped the puppies in a goat pen with three or four pregnant or nursing does and their young. The puppies and goatlings would nurse indiscriminately on all the moms.

Athena was only five weeks old when she came to live at The Oasis. Early on we took the tiny toddling pup down to the field to hang out with us while we worked. Both Anatolians and Great Pyrs will protect animals they are raised with. They "belong" to her and it is her nature to protect them with her life. Until she was about six months old, she spent every night sleeping indoors. When she was big enough, and began to find her stride, her focus and her voice, she began spending nights outside with Greg.

Athena and Greg have a love affair going. She adores him, and he plays with her like a pup. When we begin work in the morning, the two dogs go to TJ's house and spend the day eating and sleeping. In the late afternoon, when we are closing up and settling the birds in for the night, the two dogs are brought back down to the field. They have their outdoor doghouses, their blankets (which Athena drags around like Linus of "Peanuts" fame) as well as a dog-door into the Staging Area where their food is kept. Athena and Greg keep watch and patrol all night. They let us know when the Coyotes are in the orchard, and when the Javalina are out for their evening meals. Athena even has a special bark and growl which alerts us to Rattlesnakes. The two dogs have run off Skunks. When guests come, the dogs are great while we are there, but if Athena doesn't know you she will place her body between you and the birds, stare up at you with her big, soulful eyes...and not allow you to move. You can stand at the entry, but she will not allow you in until one of the staff brings you in!

The birds at The Oasis are fortunate to have two big loving dogs, Greg and Athena, working hard during the nights to ensure their safety.