A Coyote Took My Bruiser

[bunnydodger]

Last week a coyote jumped our split rail fence at 11pm and took our Bruiser while our 22 yr old son was standing on the deck. Bruiser was a hefty Chihuahua boy of almost 20 pounds and a coyote snatched him like a rag doll and carried him off into the night. We don’t live in a wilderness area, but a subdivision of track housing. Our backyard faces a small open space that separates the buildings behind us. We searched all night for him and found no trace of him, not even his collar.

Our hearts are broken and we are devastated. I feel completely helpless that I could not do anything to rescue my little guy. I am tortured by the horrible pain scenarios running through my head of Bruiser crying for help. My only hope is that it was quick and he didn’t suffer, but I know in reality, this might not be true. I keep looking out the window at the back yard hoping that he would come back and this is all just a nightmare.

I called him my little angel boy because whenever I was really upset and crying he would stay right by my side and look me deep in the eye as if he was saying “it’s going to be okay, mommy”. Of all the dogs I ever owned, Bruiser had the deepest sense of love and concern for human emotion. I couldn’t even help him when he needed me most. He would have had his 8th birthday in August.

Oh, so heartbroken….

[Iris616]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your little guy. There's nothing eloquent I have to say, but I'm sorry for your pain.

[Smilie]

I am so sorry your Bruiser is gone. Don't torture yourself with scenarios. He was lucky to have you, and you him. Sending good vibes to you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Maybe he got out of the fence, or someone stole him?

If it's any consolation, I saw a coyote catch a 20 lb woodchuck in my backyard once, and the coyote killed it very neatly in about 3 seconds.

[OakLeaf]

(((((bunny)))))

[Eden]

I'm so sorry Bunny. That's a hard way to lose a pet.

Coyotes aren't just country/suburb dwellers these days.... I live in the middle of the city of Seattle and there's been sightings just a few blocks from my house. Very scary that one was so bold.

[NoNo]

That's heartbreaking Be glad you didn't find a body. When I was six, I found our pet rabbit's body after he'd been attacked in his cage! Let's just say that's stuck with me. Focus on the happy memories. xx

[bunnydodger]

Thank you all for your kind comments. You are all so special.

Blecker: I wish with all my heart that someone stole him or he got out of the fence, but unfortunately neither were the case.

I will try very hard to be brave and move on from this, but it's just so difficult to let go now.

[sbctwin]

{{{{bunnydodger}}}} I am so sorry this has happened. I had the scenerios running through my head as I read your story....

[Smilie]

Your grief is still new, you will be able to move on when the pain lessons. Which sad to say only time can heal.

Is there anything you can do to prevent coyotes coming into your yard? Maybe finding a way to do this may help you with your sadness.

[GLC1968]

Oh, how awful!

I'm so sorry for your loss!! I would cling to the thought that it was likely quick and painless and Bruiser never knew what happened.

We haven't seen coyotes here yet, but I'm sure they are around. I fear for our chickens when we finally get to let them into the yard. I know it's the natural order of things, but it still sucks.

[bunnydodger]

Smilie - We have submitted a request to our HOA to build a 5ft. picket fence at least 5 feet in from our split rail with coyote rollers on the top. This might at least deter the coyotes from having full visibility into our yard. I'm not getting my hopes up because these HOA's are so strict. If they deny our request, we will have to think of some other way to protect our pets. I have two other little Chi's and will not even let them out of the house. They are using piddle pads.

I have also been doing some research on coyote attacks in the Parker, CO area and was shocked to find there have been several other coyote incidents that occurred particularly in our listed subdivision. We have lived in this home for 10 years and never had a problem with the coyotes. They are so big they look like wolves! When we were searching for Bruiser we found a young deer buck torn to shreds and cleaned of all flesh in the gulley behind our house. So, I'm afraid they may be hunting in packs.

[Smilie]

That is awful to hear. Can you contact your game and fish department? If they are attacking pets, then they may try and take a child next.

[bunnydodger]

I contacted the CO Division of Wildlife, Animal Control, and the Town of Parker to make a report, but no one has gotten back to me yet.

I am greatly concerned that small children may be next.

[Smilie]

You would think someone would have already done something about the problem if there have been attacks. Very scary to hear. If you don't hear back from those departments that you have already contacted, maybe you should get in touch with an 'elected' official. Maybe they can do something to get the ball rolling. You never know.