Yorkie Tangles With Coyote

I have heard some pretty crazy stories about man's best friend protecting their owners. Recently I saw the story of the German Shepherd that lead the police to his owners home that was on fire. And I have heard numerous accounts of dogs and cats waking their people to save them from a burning house. But this is a first for me!

According to a story in the Shreveport Times, a  6-year-old Dorkie, which is a dachshund and Yorkie mix, was snatched early Wednesday morning by a coyote while she was only steps away from her front door. Her owner James Strange jumped into action sprinting after the dog-napping coyote barefoot!

Strange began chasing and screaming after the coyote. His screams must have startled the predator, which Strange believes is the only reason the family's beloved pet is still alive. The coyote dropped Lucy from its jaws after running to the side yard, then escaped into the darkness.

A picture in the Times shows staples mark healing puncture wounds on Lucy's chest and back. Fortunately, after a few days of pain and immobility, Lucy rebounded, albeit with a slight limp and visible deep red bruising.

Dr. Neil Henderson, whose Pine Ridge Veterinary Clinic treated Lucy, said coyote attacks of domestic pets happen more often than most realize. He wonders, though, if this summer's extreme heat and dry weather have become just as trying on predators that may be bolder in their search of water and food sources.

Coyotes have become more of a pest in urban areas. That also means their fear of humans has diminished. So keep your pets safe!

To see a picture of Lucy and read the entire article from the Shreveport Times click here:  http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110801/NEWS01/108010307/Family-pet-survives-coyote-s-snatch-grab?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p