In February of this year, those of us in rain-drenched Northern CA. got a reprieve from the rain gods, and the Princess and I decided to take a drive over to the coast. It was one of those beautiful, CA sunny days with temperatures in the 60’s and cloudless, brilliant blue skies ripe for beach walking, biking and anything else you could imagine doing with a gorgeous, sun-filled day.
We headed to Half Moon Bay to stroll on one of our favorite walks that looks out at the ocean from a path above the cliffs, and were doing just that, when we spotted a stranded baby sea lion cornered against the side of one of the bluffs below us.
Crossing paths with the ranger that was trying to help it, we asked if he knew how the little bugger got there, and he told us that a couple of unleashed dogs had sent him scurrying for his young life. By the time the ranger had tried to intervene, the pup had gotten himself stuck between the proverbial “rock and a hard place” and couldn’t get himself back out to sea. Realizing the pup needed to be rescued, but unable to help him without assistance, the ranger had put in a call to the people from the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. We happened to be there when they arrived, so we watched as they carefully netted and prepped it for the ride to their facility in Northern Marin.
The little guy was clearly distraught and made quite a fuss before he was caught.
The Princess, concerned with its well-being, and wanting to know exactly what they’d be doing, asked one of the volunteers what the protocol was for this pup, and if they thought it would eventually calm down and be ok.
He acknowledged her concern, but really couldn’t predict any outcome. All he could say was that they’d do their best to help it. We’ve been to the Center a number of times and are aware of their meticulous care and involvement with the animals, but were concerned with its young age, and if it would thrive without its mother and ocean community. Sea lions are highly social creatures and currently an endangered species, with humans as their primary predators; so we were extremely concerned about the fate of this little one.
As we stood atop the ridge watching the volunteers and ranger as they cautiously corralled the animal into their nets and eventually the holding cage, we heard the pitiful muffled barks and grunts from the anxious pup, and I suddenly got a lump in my throat and started to tear-up.
Standing there in the bright sunlight, attentive to the waves breaking against the side of the cliffs and listening to the muffled cries from this sweet, frightened little baby, I couldn’t help but get a little upset with the dog owners who created this heart-breaking scene.
I totally understand a dog’s need to frolic and run and can appreciate dog owners who like to have their dogs enjoy the beach unleashed, but the beach was well-signed, and the owners informed: Dogs are to be leashed while walking the beach.
They chose not to obey and let them run free. And I’m sure they weren’t bad people, and their dogs were just being dogs. But now this infant pup is without a mother and was carted off to a home totally unnatural and unfamiliar to him. We don’t know if he’ll make it and have no idea if he’ll thrive, and I can’t help but think: how sad for this little guy and how sad for us, too.
As we go forward with our week, let’s try to be respectful of one another and mindful of the world around us, and I’ll catch ya the next time; looking at life from my shoes.
Life in Lucie's Shoes 
Lucie, you beautifully solved the few places in this piece we said might benefit from a change and your revisions increased its power and impact. I agree with anonymous. This post would make a good children’s book. Looking forward to Tuesday. Will get you a piece soon.
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Thanks, J! I think it turned out pretty ok myself…..Looking forward to Tuesday. Am totally exhausted…this house hunting out of state and prepping to sell is NOT for the faint of heart, I’ll tell ya….catch ya later, Gator! ; > )
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“Parenting” why the Natural Wildlife folks didn’t just put the pup back into the water. First and foremost, the pup was probably too young to fend for itself. Chances are mum and any aunts had left the area, and if he was still nursing – well, there you are. Taking Baby to the aquarium would give the staff a chance to check that the dogs did nothing more harmful than frighten him – as if that weren’t enough – and to give him food suited for his age; perhaps a protein and fat laden formula, and then fish when he is older. There are probably other seal lions there, so he’ll become used to his own kind, and be able to survive on his own.
We hope.
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Yes, there are….other sea lions at the center (sometimes)….NOW, especially, while they are giving birth. When this happened, they were pretty “empty”…unfortunately…..
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Great post– so important for people to be responsible including when one is overseeing children and pets.
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Yes….yes indeed. Part of being a parent and pet owner is the responsibility that goes along with the honor of these very important roles…..Many thanks for stopping by and commenting.. ;>)
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That is sad. I probably would’ve cried too. I wonder why they couldn’t just let the little guy go back into the water? I guess they have their reasons, and they must be good, but wouldn’t he be fine if he could just go back home and find his family? I don’t expect you to have an answer, but … what the heck?
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Good question…i’m not sure why they didn’t just release him back…probably wanted to give him a clean bill of health and make sure he was ok before releasing him….😊
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Probably right. Seems unnecessary. I hope they release him near his family somehow or that he’s able to find them.
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How very sad!!! Especially since I love animals more than most humans!! Why can’t humans just follow the rules for their animals! Very disrespectful. 😦
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Very distespectful indeed…the Princess is also more of an animal person. At times like these, i understand why…thx for stopping by…💗
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This equals that. A reminder to all, words and actions always equal consequences. Sometimes good, sometimes not. Your story puts natures delicate balance into perspective. A children’s book is a good idea. Another tearful but good lesson.
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Yes it does…puts natures delicate balance into perspective….many thanks for taking the time to read and comment, “whoever you are”…..;>)
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Thanks for posting this story. I think many of us are not aware that
Our actions and choices have consequences beyond ourselves and
Beyond our immediate environment. It is important to educate ourselves
And others. I could see this as a great children’s picture book !
Way to go Lucie!👍🏽
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You’re welcome, Shawn. I, too, could see it as a kid’s book. I need an artist. You know a good one???? ;>)
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You’re welcome, Shawn. I, too, could see it as a kid’s book. I need an artist. You know a good one???? ;>)
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that was so thoughtless of the dog owners and so sad for the little one. i hope he will be okay –
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Yes, thoughtless indeed….sometimes we just forget that we’re sharing this environment with “others”, eh???? Hopefully, my post will help remind people that sometimes it’s not all “about our needs”, eh? Thanks for stopping by! ;>)
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Sad post but necessary and wise. We all were born with free will, everything we do and say is a choice that comes along with a consequence. A good example of a bad choice by the owner of the dog. The consequence affected many people and a poor little pup who probably has lost his family forever. Free will, choice, consequence. I wish people would think long and hard about that and maybe just maybe this world would be a better place. Well penned. ☺☺☺
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Yes, this was definitely an example of a consequence affecting many……it’s sad, but sometimes people forget to think….we have no idea on how he’s doing or if it’s still alive…my family was out visiting and happened to go up there, but they don’t remember seeing a “little one”…oh well….many thanks for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment. Appreciate it. ; > )
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