Coyote Snatches Chihuahua From Front Yard

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email:

We live on the 4400 block of 52nd Avenue NE in Laurelhurst.  On April 13th,we were coming home from an early (5:30 am) walk with our 2 chihuahuas, Bear and Van Gogh. 

A coyote entered our front yard and snatched Little Bear. The coyote seemed to have little regard for the fact that a human was right there.  

The coyote ran off with him in his mouth. It was devastating for us. Not accepting this could happen, we drove all over Laurelhurst looking for any sign of the coyote.  

Then, I remembered I had seen a pair of coyotes few months back at night roaming around by the large vacant house at the top of 45th and 52nd. By chance we turned on a side street and saw his body lying in the road.  

A miracle happened ...as I ran over to just hold him ..his eyes popped open. We rushed him to the Blue Pearl emergency room.  He came home and had fractures of his shoulder and a large puncture wound with a drain was placed.  His pink jacket has teeth marks that will not wash out.  

Unfortunately on 4/15, Bear passed away.  The trauma was too much for his little body.  We are praying for peace now . We notified animal control/ wildlife/ coyote website and haven't received a response yet. 

We never thought this could happen in our yard and right on our walkway. They have been spotted in other Laurelhurst yards. This is a reminder and example of how bold and stealthily coyotes can present. There were several rabbits in our yard at the time, but our dog was an easier target.  

I hope this will save another family from the trauma our little Bear has suffered. He was our child. 

Please report any coyote sightings to authorities and keep pets and children close.