Auggie's Guide to Not Being Eaten For Lunch

A few days ago, JK saw something pretty unusual in the backyard when we got up to make breakfast. She stood at the window for a long time, and then decided to get on her boots and investigate. The Mysterious Thing was gone when she got outside, but she saw his tracks in the snow. Who was this visitor?

He looked like this:

photo credit: Creative Commons fair use - Wikipedia/ marya

Only picture him sitting near the fence behind a snow drift. 

That's right! A coyote was hanging out in MY snow in broad daylight!

Now, we may be Wolfs around here (ha ha!), but we love all God' creatures, and we feel bad for the coyotes. Their homes are being taken away by new buildings and sports fields, and they don't have a lot of options, especially in the winter. So they are homeless, and HUNGRY. And that makes us sad. But it also means that little pups like yours truly may start to look a bit like a tasty snack to them!

In fact, there have been at least 3 little dogs who have been snatched by coyotes near our house so far this winter! That, my friends, is sad news. We little dogs have got to be safe!

So allow me to present:

Auggie's Guide to Not Being Eaten By a Coyote.

1. Convince your people that you really don't need to go outside anymore.
Show them this blog post, and tell them that they can get Puppy Pads at places like Target. People, especially women people, LOVE to go to Target. They will be happy you suggested they go there to get you potty pads. Use the potty pads to do your business when it is dark, cold, or snowy, or when you think there may be Dog Eaters around.

2. If you must go outside, be vigilant!

Check the area for coyotes before you start to bundle up, and then keep your eyes peeled for big guys who look like dogs, but are walking or running without people.

3. Stick close to your people!

Always wear a leash, and stay where they can scoop you up in case of danger. Bonus if you can get them to carry you the whole time until you are ready to do your Outside Business.

4. If you do see a coyote, make lots of noise!

JK and Dr. Wolf said that they will yell and clap and throw snow at a coyote if we see one, and told me I should bark like I do when the UPS man comes to the door - LOUD, with EXTRA ORNERY. The article about the pup-snatching coyotes said that you should make lots of noise and throw things at the coyote to scare him away. Maybe JK should make a decoy Auggie to throw at the coyotes so they will snatch the decoy instead of me. Next time you see her, ask her if she has rocks or pine cones in her coat pockets.

There you have it. Auggie's best suggestions for Coyote Avoidance. I hope that helps my fellow Tiny Dogs stay safe this winter, and all year round!