Stray Dog Joins Coyote Pack – The Outcome Will Leave You Speechless
Many people are unaware of the growing coyote population, which may not immediately grab attention. However, this is something to be mindful of for pet owners with adventurous pets.
In Kingston, New York, two humane society workers, Sarah Nace and Nicole Asher, they witnessed a remarkable sight—a stray dog surrounded by wild coyotes.
Initially, they feared for the dog’s safety, but what unfolded was something unexpected. Let’s explore the surprising events that followed this encounter between a lone dog and a pack of coyotes.
Sarah Nace Spots Trouble.
Sarah Nace, a member of Lost Pets of Hudson Valley, is well aware of the increasing number of coyotes in her area.
One day, she spotted what appeared to be a stray dog running through Kingston, New York. Concerned for the dog’s safety, she knew there was a real threat from nearby coyotes.
Her immediate thought was to rescue the dog and bring him to a shelter where he would be safe from harm.
A Surprising Bond.
Nace’s goal was simple: to ensure the dog found a loving home away from the dangers of the wild. But as she observed the situation further, she realized something extraordinary the dog wasn’t a stray at all. It had seemingly formed a bond with the pack of coyotes! Unsure of what to do next, Nace reached out for assistance.
Unlikely Friendship: A Dog Joins a Coyote Pack.
You do not see a dog becoming friends with a pack of coyotes every day, making the situation both unusual and intriguing. Asher, the founder of a local rescue, needed to assess what was happening.
“He was constantly being spotted, playing and running with them,” Asher explained in an interview. “How he managed to integrate with them, we have no idea.” What stood out most was how the coyotes seemed to accept and even enjoy the dog’s company.
An Uncommon Occurrence in the Wild.
While this type of bond may be more common in the animal kingdom, it’s rare to witness in the real world. Domestic dogs generally struggle to survive in the wild, as they aren’t equipped with the skills needed to fend for themselves. However, such relationships are possible.
“It’s not unheard of,” Asher noted. “There are ‘coy dogs’—coyote-dog hybrids—that result when dogs and coyotes mate. But it’s unusual to see dogs socializing with coyotes.” The reason for this disconnect is rooted in coyotes’ instincts.
Coyotes Are Cautious Creatures.
Coyotes are not known for their trust. While they may share similarities with dogs—such as how they communicate and some physical traits—they are far more wary and defensive by nature.
Coyotes are typically fearful of humans and even large dogs, preferring to keep their distance. For this dog to be accepted into the pack, he must have made an exceptional first impression, as it’s not common for coyotes to welcome outsiders.
This unlikely friendship between a stray dog and the Kingston coyotes showcases the unpredictable yet fascinating behavior that can emerge in nature.
Making the Right Decision.
While the stray dog exhibited many coyote-like traits, experts were not entirely convinced that living among coyotes was the best long-term option for him.
Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery carefully assessed the dog’s behavior and concluded that he would thrive better in a different setting
one where he could enjoy a yard to roam, regular meals, and plenty of belly rubs. This realization led Asher, a member of the rescue team, to make a bold decision: to capture the dog and provide him with a better life.
Putting a Plan into Action.
Catching a dog that roams with coyotes is no simple task. Asher knew that a well-thought-out strategy was essential to ensure the dog’s safety during the rescue.
“The first step was getting the dog to return to a specific spot consistently,” Asher explained. The rescue team set up a feeding station, monitored by a trail camera, in hopes that the stray would feel comfortable enough to visit regularly.
As planned, the dog started returning to the same spot to eat. But separating him from the coyotes was still a challenge that needed careful execution.
Setting the Trap.
Once the dog became familiar with the feeding spot, Asher knew the time had come to set a trap. They prepared a cage at the location, hoping that the dog would walk into it. Within just two nights, the plan worked perfectly—the stray wandered right into the trap, making for a surprisingly easy capture.
“He was a fairly easy trapping,” Asher recalled, clearly relieved that the operation had gone so smoothly. It wasn’t often that a rescue was so straightforward, and Asher was grateful for the success.
Transitioning the Dog Back to Normalcy.
After the successful capture, Asher decided it was time to give the dog a proper name. Inspired by the classic cartoon Looney Tunes, she named him Wiley, after the determined coyote always chasing the roadrunner.
Wiley’s journey to recovery began at Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland, New Jersey, where he was given the care and attention he needed after his time spent living with coyotes.
Having been in the wild for so long, Wiley required extra help to adjust to his new life, but thanks to the dedication of Asher and the team at Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery, his future was looking much brighter.
The Shocking Discovery.
Wiley was in bad shape when rescuers found him. The crew had to meticulously remove ticks from his body and give him a much-needed bath. Once he was cleaned up, they ran several tests to assess his condition.
Unfortunately, the results were alarming. Wiley was diagnosed with both Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. The latter disease, in particular, affected his heart and caused anemia. Both conditions were serious, requiring swift medical intervention.
A Matter of Perfect Timing.
They say everything happens for a reason, and in Wiley’s case, timing was everything. Had Nace not reached out to Asher when she did, Wiley might have faced much graver consequences.
The rescue team played a critical role in Wiley’s recovery. They provided him with antibiotics and, just as importantly, showered him with love and care. Lyme disease can cause fatigue, rashes,
and headaches, but thanks to the rescuers, Wiley had a chance at recovery. While the coyotes may have accepted him, they could never offer the medical attention he needed.
Searching for Wiley’s True Home.
With Wiley on the road to recovery, the rescuers embarked on a new mission: finding out if he had a real home. Since coyotes weren’t his natural family, they wanted to see if Wiley had a previous owner.
They began by scanning him for a microchip, but found nothing. Next, they checked local records for any missing dog reports, but again came up empty-handed. Their final hope was to find some form of identification, but no clues surfaced.
Asher’s Reflections.
Despite their exhaustive efforts, the team was unable to determine if Wiley belonged to anyone. The lack of evidence made it seem like Wiley had been a stray for some time, or perhaps he had been abandoned.
“We don’t know if he’s someone’s lost pet; we’ve been scouring the internet, calling the local authorities,” Asher explained. “There’ve been no reports of lost dogs matching his description. We think he was either a stray or dumped.”
The Big Question.
After thorough tests and a long search for his forever home, some important questions about Wiley remained. The rescue team had learned quite a bit about him. Wiley was around two years old, and he had been living as a stray for nearly 18 months.
One of the main concerns was whether Wiley could adapt to being a “normal” dog after spending so much time in the wild. Had his time as a stray changed him too much?
A New Beginning.
Fortunately for Wiley, he proved to be incredibly resilient. Despite the tough circumstances, he fought through and regained his health, becoming strong enough to be adopted. Asher, a member of the rescue team, spoke highly of Wiley’s progress, saying: “I think he’s going to be ready for adoption fairly quickly.
He’s a sweetheart. He was leaning on me, smooching on me. A lot of these rescue dogs are incredibly grateful. People think, ‘Oh my God, they’re gonna be wild.’ But it’s not the case at all.”
The Big Marshmallow.
It wasn’t long before Wiley got back into the swing of things. After surviving in the wilderness, adjusting to life as a domesticated dog was a big change, but Wiley embraced it. Far from the wild canine they expected, Wiley turned out to be one of the gentlest dogs the shelter had seen.
Volunteer Frannie Laurita affectionately nicknamed him “big marshmallow” because of his sweet and soft personality. He loved playing with his toys but loved being petted even more!
A Natural Fit.
You might think a dog that once ran with coyotes would struggle to fit in with a human family. But that wasn’t the case with Wiley, and everyone at the shelter agreed. Despite all the challenges he faced in his young life, Wiley had an incredible capacity for love and adaptability. The time he spent with the coyotes may have helped him survive, but now he was ready for a fresh start.
The Coyotes’ Story.
As for Wiley’s coyote companions, they are still roaming free in the forests of Kingston. While the wild coyotes continue to thrive, Wiley is preparing to become someone’s loyal companion. It was surprising to see Wiley integrate into a coyote pack,
but it was even more heartwarming to witness his recovery and transformation. If licks could speak, Wiley’s would be full of gratitude for all those who helped him along the way.
The Rise of Coyotes: A Growing Concern for Pet Owners.
In recent years, the coyote population has steadily increased and expanded into new areas. While this growth is beneficial for the survival of coyotes, it raises concerns about the impact on domestic animals and families living nearby.
Coyotes, at a glance, can resemble domestic dogs, making it easy to mistake one for a harmless pet. However, this wild predator poses a real threat. Imagine mistaking a coyote for a dog—what seems like a friendly encounter could turn into a dangerous situation for your furry companion.
Pet Owners: Stay Vigilant.
As the coyote population grows, more of these animals are venturing into neighborhoods, primarily in search of food. It’s not the coyote’s fault—they’re just trying to survive. Yet, this expansion into residential areas creates potential risks, particularly for pet owners.
Dogs, especially smaller breeds, are vulnerable to coyote attacks. Cats, too, face significant danger from these wild predators. For those with pets, being aware and cautious is crucial to keeping their beloved animals safe.
