A Coyote Took My Bruiser

[Brandi]

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.

It took me almost a year to get over my Niko's death. I still shed a tear for him time to time. But I found him after so the image has never gone from my mind. At least you didn't find him like you found the deer. Be thankful for that.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

i lost a cat to a dog attack and found his body so I can really relate on all levels.....It took me almost a year to get over my Niko's death. I still shed a tear for him time to time. But I found him after so the image has never gone from my mind. At least you didn't find him like you found the deer. Be thankful for that.

I'm just going to say something that I think might be comforting to Bunnydodger-
When dogs attack other animals (and sometimes not for food, but just to be aggressive), they tend to bite and tear at them.
I witnessed a coyote kill a hefty 20 pound woodchuck in my yard years ago. It was quite different from any dog attack I've ever seen, and was very efficient. The coyote circled the woodchuck over and over to find just the right moment, then it lunged in quickly and pinned the woodchuck down to the ground by the neck, in its jaws. It quickly maneuvered a good hold of the woodchuck's neck, then gave the woodchuck just one violent shake by the neck, and I could see that it must have instantly broken its neck. The woodchuck was stone dead. All this took about 5 seconds. Then the coyote picked the dead woodchuck up in its mouth and trotted off with it.
I only describe this in detail so that BunnyD might understand that her little dog likely didn't suffer the same way as a cat torn up by a dog. He probably was killed very quickly and didn't even have time to know what was happening.

[Zen]

Every time I read the title of this thread I feel sad.

[nancielle]

So sorry for your loss. How's your son doing with this?

[Trek420]

{{{{{Bruiser}}}}} I can't say anything more eloquently than others have. It's awful to loose a beloved pet in any way, sadder so close to home and nearby. I'm sure Bruiser did not suffer, and knew you provided a wonderful life. The thought occurs that Bruiser may have been aware and protecting you from the coyote. Being a tiny relative of a wolf he has senses greater than ours.

That first wolf who came close to the fire for warmth and food struck a deal with us: we provide warmth, food, companionship in return for the dogs greater senses of smell, hearing. Bruiser may have been protecting you at that moment. And if he could talk I'm sure he'd say "glad to do it".

I'm not observant or particularly religious in any way but when it comes to animals just roll out the Rainbow Bridge poem and I'm there. I'm sure you get to thank Bruiser in some later time.

I guess it's a risk. We're cyclists, we love the outdoors and what it brings. This brings us close to nature both for the beauty and the dangers she provides.

Do you have any pictures of the little guy? We'd love to see them.

[emily_in_nc]

Every time I read the title of this thread I feel sad.

Me too. It just breaks my heart, and I just can't bear to think about it. Whether Bruiser's death was quick or not, I doubt that lessens the pain that bunnydodger feels right now very much.

My father died in an auto accident, and although it was meant to comfort, having people tell me that he never knew what hit him didn't help much at all. Sure, I'd rather know that he didn't suffer in a prolonged fashion, but in the final analysis, my dad was taken away from me in a way no one should ever have to lose someone they love, and thinking about the circumstances of his death pains me greatly. The same goes for Bruiser and the coyote. There is no good way to lose a pet, but having one snatched from one's yard by another animal has to be one of the hardest to deal with.

All that said, the coyote is not at "fault" here either -- he was just following his biological imperative. But that doesn't make the entire situation hurt any less.

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Me too. It just breaks my heart, and I just can't bear to think about it. Whether Bruiser's death was quick or not, I doubt that lessens the pain that bunnydodger feels right now very much.

If it helped even a tiny bit then I feel it was worth mentioning.

[Miranda]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to recently put down my own furbaby. It's never easy regarless of the situation. They are such a big part of the family. That is a concern about the child in any sense. Hopefully the wild would be more cautious around the scent of man. About the time my first child was toddling in the yard, we put up a fence to help contain, and keep out. Part of it is 4' chain link, and the other 6' solid wood privacy (split rail is more open obviously, our neighbor's split rail is lined with chain link). Obviously if something, or someone, really wanted in badly enough, they would get in regardless. But, I think it's deterient in ways and helps, FWIW. (((hugs))) about the pup.

[emily_in_nc]

If it helped even a tiny bit then I feel it was worth mentioning.

I understand, Lisa, and I surely wasn't trying to knock what you wrote. I know that your intentions were in the right place. I was just saying that at least for me, even knowing that a death was quick is not much comfort at all when all that you can focus on is losing a loved one (human OR pet) in a most unexpected and tragic way.

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I understand, Lisa, and I surely wasn't trying to knock what you wrote. I know that your intentions were in the right place. I was just saying that at least for me, even knowing that a death was quick is not much comfort at all when all that you can focus on is losing a loved one (human OR pet) in a most unexpected and tragic way.

Emily

I hear you. I've have various experiences with death as well, both expected and unexpected, peaceful and awful, animal and human loved ones. We are all different. Something like knowing death was quick would comfort me a little, even in the midst of grief. I do understand what you are saying- nothing can really lessen the grief and pain of loss except time.

[bunnydodger]

Thank you all for your kind words and compassion. It is comforting to know that others understand how much we love our pets.

BleekerSG: Thank you for sharing your woodchuck story. I will keep the faith that Bruiser went so quickly too.

I tried attaching Bruisey's picture. Hope it worked.

[Pax]

Oh Bunnydodger, he has the sweetest little face!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[smilingcat]

I've been mulling over on what to say. What can you say...

I'm saddened to see what has happened to hear such awful news. I wish I could make everyone's pain go away with their tragic loss. I wish our encounter with wildlife are always pleasant but ...

with heavy heart my condolence to your beautiful bruiser. He is very cute.

smilingcat

[TahoeDirtGirl]

My heart goes out to you and your family. Bruiser looks like my friends little mix- and has the same personality. Such a sweetie ..

If you need help figuring out how to keep the coyotes out of your yard, please PM me. I worked and continue to work with a nonprofit bear protection group in Tahoe and I have also worked with keeping coyotes safely out of people's yards. Each yard is as different as the owner, so it isn't really helpful for me to start posting how to go about securing your property. Killing the coyote only invites others into their position, and draws males in that would of otherwise not lived there previously, so it's better to just deal with the culprit that is there already. Coyotes will venture out day or night as they learned that people sleep at night and thereby leaving them alone to get in garbage and whatever else they deem as 'food'.

Coyotes have nipped people in CA but that's up for interpretation as to an attack. People think it's cool to feed them thereby drawing them into residences as well as leaving unsecured garbage around, which is an invitation. Coyote rollers work well so you are on your way there, but only on top of chain link fencing.

Let me know if you need help and sending some good thoughts your way ~ Karin

[emily_in_nc]

Bruiser was a real doll....I hope in time your memories will make you smile.

Emily