It all began on a quiet morning walk with my dog, Bruno. The sun was rising, the grass was damp with dew, and everything seemed perfectly normal—until I noticed bright orange balls scattered around the flowerbed. At first, I thought they were toys, but then I saw more of them by the fence, under the bench, even near the compost heap.

Bruno, curious as always, picked one up in his mouth. I panicked, fearing it might be poisonous, and quickly called the vet for advice.

The surprising explanation

After sending photos, the vet identified the strange balls as a slime mold commonly called “wolf’s milk.” It wasn’t a typical fungus, but a peculiar organism that often grows on rotting wood or damp mulch. Though not toxic, it could cause irritation if crushed, especially for those with allergies.

Relieved, I checked Bruno—luckily, he was fine. To be safe, I collected the slime molds and disposed of them away from the house.

A reminder for pet owners

Later, I learned that slime molds often appear in summer after heavy rain. They aren’t a serious danger, but can easily alarm gardeners and pet owners. Now, I inspect my garden every day for unusual growths.

If you ever notice something odd, take a photo and ask a specialist. Above all, stay calm—because our safety, and that of our pets, always comes first.