BS: Strange Creature in Maine

Subject: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 05:35 PM

http://news.aol.co.uk/article.adp?id=20060817060009990009

doesn't look much different from any of the other inhabitants of Maine imho ...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: leeneia
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 05:44 PM

Looks like a boar of some kind to me. If it were found in Wisconsin, I'd say it was a hodag.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Peace
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 05:58 PM

'After reviewing photos of the carcass, Coleman said he was bothered by the animal's ears and snout. It reminded him of a case years ago in northern Maine in which an animal shot by a hunter could not be identified. In the end, wildlife officials got a DNA analysis that showed the animal was a rare wolf-dog hybrid, he said.

Mike O'Donnell, who is married to Michelle O'Donnell, said the animal looked "half-rodent, half-dog" to him.

It was charcoal gray, weighed between 40 and 50 pounds and had a bushy tail, a short snout, short ears and curled fangs hanging over its lips, he said. It looked like "something out of a Stephen King story".'

Doesn't Stephen King live in Maine? Herrrrrreeeeee doggie doggie doggie . . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: DougR
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 06:00 PM

Oh. I thought this thread was about Kendall maybe. :>)

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 06:07 PM

I just wondered which strange creature they were talking about now.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 06:39 PM

Looks like a dog with a deformed head. The teeth don't look like dog's teeth though, and they don't even look like a carnivore's teeth to me.

I've seen wolf-dogs and coy-dogs, and they pretty much look like wolf-dogs and coy-dogs.

Could be a mutation, could be a creative assemblage of parts, could be a PhotoShopportunity. I hope I hear what the final analysis is after the experts look at it.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 06:56 PM

Why, it's just a little ol' werewolf, that's all.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:10 PM

Wow! This is perfect for Stephen King country. It's some kind of were-beast or something that has crossed over from some evil dimension just a shiver or two shy of this reality!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Alba
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:24 PM

Thought to be most likely a Feral Dog.
Pretty vicious creatures and totally unafraid of Humans.
Pretty strange looking specimen though.

Jude
[ a Feral Scot now living in Maine, oh and Guest visit the backwoods anytime, we like having a Guest or two for Supper round these parts]

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:35 PM

Ten years ago I knew a professional falconer here in Ontario...a young German guy who is marvelous at handling birds of prey. He told me there are packs of feral dogs in the back country, and he has been hunting them, because they attack pets and livestock. He puts up bait and sits in the bush all night waiting for a chance to get a shot at one. He says they are very clever, fully aware of the capabilities of humans, very hard to get a shot at (he has killed a few, though), and quite dangerous...if you are not carrying a gun. They're basically canine outlaw gangs. He said the biggest, toughest dog leads the pack...and they will send a smaller, less important dog in to check the bait. He generally only gets a shot at these underling dogs...because they usually manage to detect his presence one way or another before the rest of the pack moves in...in which case he shoots them immediately.

I have not seen Matt in at least 10 years now, and I'm wondering if he ever got the pack leader of those dogs or not.

Matt looked like the young Christopher Walken. Very intense guy.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Kaleea
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:37 PM

freaky stuff goin on. any nuclear power plants nearby?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:39 PM

I honestly don't think it's very scary looking - just odd. And if the critter had really bad abscesed teeth, it would account for both the big lower part of the head and the smell. If it had been a critter a-la King, it would have had much sharper teeth, glowing red eyes and wouldn't have looked so pitiful.

I was working in public health, and once we were asked to call animal control because what they though was a rabid cat was terrorizing the dental clinic accross the street. We called, and I went over there. The cat was walking funny, it couldn't stop going around in circles and was meowing to break your heart. It was trying to approach people, which scared the crap out of them. Animal Control wanted to shoot it, and I convinced them not to. They wanted to jam it into a cage, and I convinced them to coax ut in. I'd run the rabies control program, and although I'd never seen a case of rabies personally, I'd seen film of animals and people with it, and I was fairly sure this cat didn't have it. It didn't. Turned out this beautiful, friendly cat had been hit by a car, had a bad head injury, and had to be euthanized.

I think that people can be extremely cruel when they're scared. I've seen that at Mudcat and in real life. I've done it myself. In the case of the creepy critter, it's easier to see this 'hybryid' as a monster than an injured or sick animal or something that could have been helped.

Or it could have been the result of a black lab getting too friendly with a goat. I just can't wait to hear what the necropsy turns up.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: kendall
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:40 PM

It's a friggin dog, people.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:42 PM

'Tis not, you spoilsport! It's a were-monster! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Alba
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 08:08 PM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 08:15 PM

More in the Washington Post.
And here, from a FOX news source (you can tell it's FOX because they have an unrelated photo of the gaping jaw of a dog with this story):

Mutant Beast Found Dead in Maine

By Drake La Monica

An animal found dead after being hit by a car in Turner, Maine has been described as looking part-rodent, and part-dog. Some people in the area are convinced that the strange animal solves the local legend of a mysterious bloodthirsty creature.

Rick Schrepper lives in Turner, where he says the thing killed local pets and livestock. "I honestly believe somebody's puppy got loose and bred with a coyote or a wolf," Schrepper said, "and it has grown and has been terrorizing us for years."

Wildlife officials tested the beast's DNA and say it's a rare wolf-dog hybrid.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Peace
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 08:16 PM

Well, who else BUT FOX could cover this story from the canine-family perspective?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 08:41 PM

Can't see ears, can't see snout.....probably a feral dog.....hungry and with abcessed teeth.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: curmudgeon
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 09:04 PM

Ranger 1, where are you?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: kendall
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 09:21 PM

Fish & Wildlife agent here. It's a feral dog.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Peace
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 09:26 PM

Feral dogs--would they be attracted to magnets?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 09:38 PM

You mean like Donald Trump?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Tweed
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 10:06 PM

"It was evil, evil looking. And it had a horrible stench I will never forget... We locked eyes for a few seconds and then it took off."
- Witness

Very weird lookin' dog. Looks like an R.Crumb cartoon representation of a dog that came to life and then got hit by a damned car.

It's tongue seems to be blue. I believe the DNA tests will confirm my contention that it is obviously a mix of chow-chow,boston terrier,baboon and hyena, AND THAT the great-grandson of the brilliant Dr. Moreau has abandoned the tropics for the stark Maine countryside to continue his research.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 10:51 PM

I dunno' Tweed.....I think its khandu after spending s few weeks in Yankeeland and going mad......

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:12 PM

Well, I'm a former veterinary technician, and I think it's a dog, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:16 PM

Yea...some sort of dog or dog mix. NO pig in there.....sheesh.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: snarky
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:17 PM

or one of kendall's old girlfriends...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:18 PM

IT'S A WERE-MONSTER!!!!!!!!!!   (in best panicky scream voice...)

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: dianavan
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 02:00 AM

It looks like a dead dog with rotten teeth, to me.

Some ugly mutt.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 09:05 AM

My sister's bassett hound had a horrible smell, too...

And you people thought Stephen King made this shit up. HA!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 09:43 AM

Clearly a chupacabra.




Just kidding. Looks like one ugly-ass chow mix to me. You wouldn't believe how ugly a dog can be if you mix the wrong breeds. When I was a vet tech, somebody brought in a chow/shar-pei puppy that looked like a giant, hairy, raisin. Could hardly tell which end was which.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 10:26 AM

Poor thing. It was probably an adorable chubby little puppy that everyone would have foung room for. Neuter your pets people.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Grab
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 10:31 AM

Terrible smell? Our friend's Scottie should be banned under the rules about chemical weapons. And that's before it farts - a dog-fart from that beastie could clear Baghdad in seconds.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Ernest
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 10:52 AM

As already suggested by someone on one of the sites this could be an Akita Inu or mongrel of one. They are a Japanese breed.

Loook her:

http://www.akita-in-not.de/

go to "vermittelte Hunde" and scroll down to the one called "Bronco". He is black and white, but othewise very similar. See the head, the tail etc.

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Ernest
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 11:00 AM

http://www.wuac.info/StandardE.htm

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 11:18 AM

Poor little mite....

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 11:45 AM

Surely it's a cross between a Wolf and a Poodle (the dreaded "Woodle"...)

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Bee
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 11:49 AM

I imagine being dead (maybe long enough to be a bit swollen) makes it look a little worse, as well, but it sure looks like a dog to me.

Hey, Little Hawk, up-thread there: I don't doubt it's possible that wild dog packs are roaming the back country, but your friend's description would fit the big coyotes that live here (Maritimes). Being a furriner, and a birdman, would he recognize a coyote if he saw one? The Eastern coyotes are much larger than the Western ones, and they do pack up, often. They have quite a lot of wolf behaviors, and there are some respectable naturalists who think they may be a result of coyotes breeding with the last of the Algonquin Red Wolves.

Coyotes here eat cats, frequently, and will lure and kill domestic dogs, have been seen packing up to kill deer, and sometimes make quite a racket at night.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 12:46 PM

There are packs of coyotes around here, and I've heard them howling sometimes, but no, Matt would not be mistaken. He's a very experienced woodsman. These are packs of formerly domesticated dogs he's speaking of...and the pack may contain quite a mixture of larger and smaller breeds, although not the really small breeds...they aren't tough enough to live long among the others. It's possible, I would think, that some of these dogs have crossbred with wolves and coyotes to some extent.

Feral dogs are usually dogs who have been turned loose or abandoned by human owners...or they're the descendants of those animals. Matt says some unwanted dogs get dumped in the country by people from towns and cities. Some find someone to take them in. Some turn wild.

There aren't any coyotes right near where I live...it's too settled around here, but if you drive a mere 15 or 20 miles north or sort of northwest you can find some extensive rough wilderness areas, and there you will find them. They're not easy to see, because they are active mostly after dark. I have seen them on a moonlit night at a friends place once, running around out in the meadows. I haven't seen any feral dogs. One friend of mine saw a wolf on one occasion though, and that was in daylight.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 12:47 PM

It's a bird-dog!
G.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 01:10 PM

Bee

It has been recently found through genetic testing that the eastern coyote is a hybrid between the western coyote and grey wolf. They are around twice the size of the western coyote and are quite plentiful in eastern Ontario where I live.

"though coyotes are often mistaken for a domestic dog hybrid, recent genetic research has attributed the eastern coyote's larger size and unique behavioral characteristics to interbreeding with Canadian gray wolves. Unlike the wolf or domestic dog, coyotes run with their tail pointing down."

From : http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/Wildlife_profiles/profile_eastern_coyote.htm

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 01:36 PM

It looks like Lon Chaney to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 02:30 PM

the dreaded "Woodle"


LOL!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: gnu
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 02:33 PM

Here in New Brunswick, they pack and they run with their tails up. My old man used to call them Eastern Brush Wolves. They eat a lot of deer and they will take moose calves.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 03:08 PM

Fostered a 1/4 chow-3/4 pit bull that looked a whole lot like that, actually. Short muzzle, small ears. He wasn't ferocious but then he wasn't feral, either. And he was about that size.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 03:48 PM

Well, our good governor hasn't ordered an evacuation of Turner yet, or a quarantine of its entire population, some 4315 frightened souls. I think Kendall and Jeri have their heads screwed on correctly with their comments. I don't think there has been any DNA testing as of yet. The Maine Fisheries & Wildlife folks ignored all appeals to get involved. But I'm sure CNN has a crew on the ground sniffing for clues.

The photo I saw in the papers reminded me of a Hyeana, which are as rare in Maine as warewolves.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 04:01 PM

From what I read in the Portland Press Herald yesterday IF&W isn't going to be doing any testing, as they basically left the carcass out for the vultures and it was pretty well picked clean. I got the impression they just disposed of it.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/060817beast.shtml

Sorry, don't know how to make a blue clicky thingie...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Bee
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 04:42 PM

Thanks, Bobad, for that DNA update - Grey Wolfotes they are then! The Maritime naturalists were speculating at the time, and they guessed Red Wolf because that species was under so much pressure, which is when you get attempts to crossbreed with the nearest likely other species. Orcas and various dolphins do this, as well.

Little Hawk, I'm glad to hear you are confident - just heard a story the other night about a lady farmer who settled here from the US out trying to shoot an eagle that was taking her tame ducks from time to time. Dunno what she thought it was. My friend educated her - gently (hey, she had a gun).

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 04:59 PM

Confident? You mean about the Were-Monster?

I think it would be a real shame if it was just an ordinary dog. Stephen King doesn't live around there for nothing, you know. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 05:12 PM

Sounds like they got some tissue samples before they left it: From the Bangor Daly News: "Sections of the Turner animal's tissue are being sent off for DNA testing." Doesn't the screaming in the night bit sound more like a wildcat? Any large wild cats in Maine?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 06:28 PM

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright

You have been warned!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Tweed
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 09:47 PM

That vould be "VARNED" Liz.

BTW, I heard from Khandu just this evening Spaw, so that counts him out. He said virtually nothing about being eaten by vultures and I'm sure he would have mentioned it in his casual fashion if he had been run over in Maine.....but then again...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 11:10 PM

Jeri-

Bobcats are alive and well in Maine, lots of coyotes, and one or two estranged wolves.

We don't seem to have any old folk songs or folk tales about warewolves. However, some strange creatures have been observed late at night lurking the streets of Portland's old sailortown. Some of them even wear high heels and fishnet stockings!

Cheeriliy,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 02:51 AM

Jacqui - have you been away again? Kendall has REALLY let himself go without you....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 10:24 AM

Seems as if the Lewiston-Sun Journal is following up this story with DNA testing of the sample one of their reporters secured. Their website crashed and burned after millions of interested people (not all Mudcatters) with nothing better to do tried to access the story.

Inquiring minds, I'm sure, would like to know more from the hair of this dawg!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 11:24 AM

Ya' know, I may have changed my mind on this. I still don't know what it is but I think it killed JonBenet.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Amos
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 12:40 PM

Jeeze, Spaw -- first it's Shatner, now it's a werewold. Make up yer mind, mon!!

LOL


A

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Ernest
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 12:50 PM

Amos: you mean - Shatner is NOT a werewolf?????

E.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 01:55 PM

Spaw-

You may have a point. Why don't you forward this thread to the Thai police and they could wrap up the JonBenet case for sure!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 02:27 PM

How strange is it that just 4 days ago my sister and I were driving down the VERY ROAD on which Stephen King was hit by that van...and this thingamabob looks sort of like the creature that came out of the woods at the beginning of Kingdom Hospital...oh, nevermind...only 4 of us watched that show.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 04:33 PM

Dog. People have been mutilating dogs for years - they call it 'breeding'.

Although, just to be certain, why don't we all split up and conduct separate searches at night, while that scary music is playing in the background? You know I was sure I'd put new batteries in this torch.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 05:14 PM

Les, you need to come over here across the pond. Our torches don't require any batteries, just our flashlights............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 05:43 PM

Yes but isn't 'torch' a much nicer word than 'flashlight'. Not nearly as descriptive, but much nicer.

Puts me in mind of them old flashlight singers we had back in the 40s...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 06:16 PM

That's not all. Englishmen are often seen peering under someone's "bonnet", the prurient swine!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 08:19 PM

Les....if you think that selective breeding is 'abuse' you are very sadly mistaken....I agree that big mistakes can be made in selective breeding, and often are by idiots who shouldn't own or breed dogs...but there ARE good reasons for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Bee
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 11:54 PM

Sorcha, I love dogs, but if you can explain to me the good reason for breeding the Yorkshire Terrier, I'll be amazed. ;-}

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 03:59 AM

Guest Bee, I'll explain in one word, ' ratting '

eric

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Ernest
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 05:53 AM

"O-ho the ratting dog, the dog down in the valley-oh"...

so this song is from Yorkshire?

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 10:31 AM

Thank you eric.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 11:53 AM

I've seen rats larger than Yorkies.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 12:34 PM

But have you ever seen a Yorkie in action???

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 12:41 PM

Ya mean attacking ankles?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 01:02 PM

Grin...attacking rats!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 03:27 PM

I've eaten a fair few Yorkies.....
























Just to explain, in the UK, a Yorkie is a really thick chocolate bar.....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 08:29 PM

I finally met a Yorkie I liked a few weeks ago. Unfortuately, he's twelve years old and partially paralyzed (which is not why I like him, since he really is a dear little dog, only that it's too bad I couldn't meet one I liked that had more years left in him). Amazing. I mostly thought they were good for feeding pit bulls.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Peter Woodruff
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 08:56 PM

The beast is Alf.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 04:12 AM

If pit bulls ot rottweilers were as brave as Yorkshire terriers we would be in deep shit.

eric

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 04:29 AM

Deeper shit if Yorkies were the size of rottweilers!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,CrazyEddie
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 05:29 AM

I saw a Yorkshire terrier kill a Rotweiller-Pitbull hybrid recently.


...Got stuck in its throat.



I'll get me coat...

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: ranger1
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 11:00 AM

It's a feral dog. IF&W has better things to do than to scoop up road kill for DNA testing just because some nutcase thinks there's a supernatural creature in the Maine woods. Personally, I think that was a good move on the part of IF&W, there are better things I'd like my tax dollars spent on than doing testing on feral dogs.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 12:21 PM

Re: The adverse effects of selective breeding; quite right. I mean, look at Britain's most familiar examples. Even drafting in pretty decent-looking weemin over the years, like the ould Queen Mother for example, the Royal Family still ends up with the likes of Cherlie and Anne.

I'll get my cape, and take the Woodle for a long walk....

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Stranger
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 02:20 PM

My first thought was it looked a lot like a chow. And thinking more, if a chow was mixed with a wolf it could possibly look like that.
A chow is a tough dog and can be quite ferocius in certain situations.
I'm sure it's a chow-mix of something, clearly a dog anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 05:34 PM

Isn't chow-mix a sort of dried meat substitute for campers?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Mingulay
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 06:21 PM

Jest ye not at the "woodle", for my ex and I once had a "Spoodle". A mix of Spaniel and Poodle. When he wasn't rolling on his back to have his tummy tickled he absolutely murdered dog biscuits, tore them to shreds in a mad frenzy often whilst balancing them on an item of footwear. Really buggers your feet up does biscuit shrapnel!!

LtS, I thought chow-mix was number 43 at the Chinese takeaway.

Coat on, leaving now.............

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 07:19 PM

LtS, nothing compares with the exquisite taste of fresh campers, accept no substitute.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 02:21 PM

So, let's all try to make up names for various cross-breedings (not necessarily canine).
Hipporhinocephant?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: gnu
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 03:58 PM

Well, if it's tongue is black, it's a Chow mix.

Guest, Stranger... "A chow is a tough dog and can be quite ferocius in certain situations." You got that right. One of the most territorial of all dogs, it is extremely ferocious, and when the coat is well kept, most other dogs cannot inflict a good bite. Just as many sheep dogs do, a Chow will present it's flank for attack and once the opponent has taken the bait, the Chow attacks the neck and throat.

A buddy of mine had one which absolutely mauled a rotty three times it's weight to the toon of $800 at the vet's. The twit that owned it had the nerve to ask my buddy to pay the bill... his dog was not on a leash while being walked and it attacked my buddy's dog in my buddy's yard, chained. That Chow also had two sheps and a dobby notched in her belt. Gentle as a kitten with children, but, not with anything else.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 10:54 PM

I used to work for a vet and, of the breeds we saw most commonly, chows were among those that we liked least. A lot of them don't warn you before they take your face off--pit bulls and Rotties will growl and carry on but chows have no facial expressions (that you can see, at least, since they're so wrinkled), they're strong, and every time you think you have a grip on them all you really have is hair. And they're hard to muzzle because they have short, thick noses. I don't go near a chow that I don't know really, really, well.

(Incidentally, our absolute least favorites were American cocker spaniels and one woman's black Russian terrier, which was as strong as a pit bull and had no redeeming temperamental qualities at all. And American cockers are surprisingly mean little bastards for something that's bred to look like a toy).

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 07:03 AM

Ok - so they should tell the truth - the thing was merely playing dead and they gave it bus-fare to Los Angeles where it is now earning a living as the Wast End Ripper (See Psycho Raccon thread for explanation)

No kidding, as I type it is 4 Am and I see neighors out looking for the East End Ripper with their dogs. Don't know what they think they are gonna do if they find it - give it muniicipal summons for shredding cats, possums and yip yip dogs? (See Psycho Raccon thread for explanation)

West Hollywood has lost it's mind (See Psycho Raccon thread for explanation)

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,farla
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 04:11 PM

I have a 50%chow/50%english bulldog mix and his head is shaped much like the animal- and my granny had a malamute that mated with a wolf in Arkansas- the puppies all had the curved teeth. As fun as it is to think it is really an oddity, it is probably just another heinz 57.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 08:38 PM

Scoville... "... our absolute least favorites were American cocker spaniels..."

Really? Tell me more, if you have time. I am considering a similar dog in the near future.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 09:55 PM

Well, Mr says that our county has more dog bites from Cocker Spainiels than any other single breed. I'll see if I can find actual statisics, but IMO, they are nasty evil tempered things. Lots of eye problems too.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 09:56 PM

Thanks, S... good to know.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: bobad
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 09:57 PM

It's stupid humans breeding them for show qualities that is the problem IMO.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: gnu
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 10:02 PM

Well, yes, bobad... but, if left to responsible breeders, for show even, many problems will not occur. Unfortunately, there are twits everywhere you turn.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 10:10 AM

My friend has a cocker spaniel and he is the most annoying dog you ever could meet. HUGE separation issues (she can't even leave the room without him freaking out), hates kids, hates other dogs...very obnoxious. Granted, though, she is at fault for much of this behavior. He hasn't gotten nippy yet, but I hear that happens when they get older.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 10:41 AM

Cockers can't do as much damage as a pit bull or a chow or some other, larger dog, but I believe that Sorcha is right about them being one of the most likely breeds to bite. I think it's specifically American cockers--not English cockers, or the other spaniel breeds. I just know that my experience was that they were adorable as puppies and then turned into snapping beasts as they got older.

Also, I don't know where you live (what part of the country), but they are extremely prone to food and pollen allergies, and consequently often have chronic ear infections that require a lot of care. Probably less of a problem up north but Texas is allergen central and we saw a lot of really miserable cockers with really disgusting ear canals.

I'm not actually saying don't get one, but don't get one from a pet shop. Find a either a rescue that can tell you something about the dog or a breeder with a good reputation where you can meet the parents, ask about health problems, etc. There are good and bad in every breed, and different breeds suit some people better than others.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Jean
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 11:39 AM

Poor littl' doggie

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Choo Backy
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 11:39 AM

Wot?

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST,Joe Allen & sons
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 11:40 AM

Yikes!

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 09:42 AM

aw - I love cocker spaniels. There is an elderly one named Joe who is close pals with my Alsatian. Joe is prone to ear infections but that's all. I credit his sweet temperment on his also elderly owner who gives him plenty of exercise, keeps him meticulously groomed and never permits him to get away with agressive behavior without a gentle correction. Joe is a darling of the neighborhood and we worry when we don't see him for a week or so.

It's just like Cesar Milan says - bad dog behvaior is mostly due to the owners/masters/caretakers (whatever is the current PC term for a person who has a dog).

Even so, some breeds are more aggressive by nature or more prone to bite when they feel confronted. I don't doubt Sorcha's statement. They can be highly strung dogs if not in the right situation.

I'm very fond of Shibu Inus but have decided no matter how adorable they are (the look a lot like foxes) they are hunting/working dogs who prefer to be the dominant dog in the pack. I'd love one but need a more mellow type such as my Alsatian

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 09:55 AM

I like shibas, too, but they're too intense for me right now. Of course, I've got an American Eskimo dog and they certainly have enough detractors. Depends on what you can handle and what you like in a dog (I don't mind sweeping up hair, obviously). And one of these days I'm going to get that Norwegian elkhound I've always wanted . . .



I actually like pit bulls a lot. The vast majority of the ones I've handled--stuck needles into, even--have been very happy dogs, but I wouldn't own one because I think it would be a legal headache, and I would be afraid someone would steal it. I cannot imagine doing pit rescue. One of the clinics at which I worked had a mostly-pit bull they wanted to adopt out but everyone that came in to look at him refused to give us any personal information (phone number, address, anything--they wouldn't even give us enough to update his medical records), didn't want to take the heartworm pills that came with the adoption fee, said the dog was for their daughter's boyfriend but they didn't know his full name, etc. Shady characters. It took us over a year to find him a trustworthy "mom". Poor dog.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 11:04 AM

Kind of looks like the spawn of one of those hillbilly cousin marriages.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Scoville
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 12:57 PM

Hillbilly, nothing--I don't think there's any group in the world as inbred as the European royal families.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 02:12 PM

Yeah, it does kind of look like Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 02:16 PM

The verdict is in and it's..... a dog.

August 28, 2006

Mystery beast was a dog


Posted by The Associated Press, Wire Report
at 11:31 AM

LEWISTON, Maine -- The so-called mystery beast from Turner that created a media and Internet sensation was just a dog. That's according to preliminary DNA results from a University of Maine professor.

Dr. Irv Cornfield said the animal had a dog for a mother and probably a dog for a father, as well. More genetic testing is expected, but the preliminary findings back up Scott Lindsay, a Maine wildlife biologist in Gray. He said it was a wild dog, based on newspaper photos.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 05:41 PM

It's a dog and it's dead.

Get over it. We have.

I wonder if it would improve our hard cider?

Charley Noble
Richmond, Maine

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: kendall
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 07:12 PM

Becca72 10:10 am, that sounds a lot like your mother.

Subject: RE: BS: Strange Creature in Maine
From: Becca72
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 07:21 PM

LOL! Dad!