Found a coyote, I think

Raspy · Feb 7, 2017

It's time for a dreadful update of this incredible story.

Our beloved BeiBei died tonight. Completely unexpected. Nothing we could do to help her.

The rain. The late night. The grief. Her final moments, and eventual stiffening body. The urgency mixed with the confusion. Is it really true? Is she really gone? But she was just here!!!. The silence.

As I write this, Liye is tending to the task. Crying, unconsolable. I'm away on business as she, in the middle of the night, buries BeiBei in a beautiful spot. I listen to the rain as I listen to the silent phone. No call means the task continues. No report.

Thoughts race as the clock drags. More rain.

My little pal is gone and an era ends. Thoughts of all she brought to the family, as so many dogs do, race past in the night. Whenever I came home from a trip, I'd look forward to her whimpering joy. Nothing meant more to her than being picked up, given a cookie and being talked to. I never saw a dog with so much tail wagging! Always, always happy.

Late at night, when I was sometimes awake, I'd notice her seeping in the dark. Close by where I could reach and touch her. Simply being close to us gave her peace. Often she'd dream with yips and growls. Her legs jerking in a dream of possible running. We communicated in many ways and had a lot of fun, but some things were just left to the imagination.

Oh, the lessons I have learned from that little bundle of joy! And the world she showed Sandy as they played. Sandy found herself in a strange pack of aliens, but discovered we were her friends. Discovered we were her family. BeiBei taught her that, and to this day Sandy has never forgotten it.

BeiBei was a strict momma, a vulnerable friend likely to show you her tummy if she trusted you, a joyous greeter at the door, always perked up when hearing a coyote outside, a fun and peaceful companion when traveling, loved to be picked up, loved to go with us on any outing and always looked for that cookie she deserved after going outside. She loved us unconditionally and lived in the moment with a cold exploring nose and a wagging tail. When she wanted something, she could always find a way to let us know.

We loved her too. I'm stunned by her sudden death. Our little comedian, greeter and pal is no longer there. Now, we won't be going out at night to listen to the coyotes or look at the stars. She won't be bounding up the stairs, bouncing around and anticipating a cookie, eyes full of joy.

The night just got a little colder, a little quieter, a little less interesting and a lot less fun.

Thall303 · Feb 7, 2017

Beautiful eulogy!❤

Mace Canute · Feb 7, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and you have my heartfelt condolences.

I lost my boy Mickey on April 23, 2012 and, like BeiBei, he passed suddenly and in my arms. I lost my little girl Minnie just over a year ago on January 15, 2016. Unlike Mickey she had to have help going to her final sleep as I held her in my arms. I miss them so very very much.

dragoneggs · Feb 7, 2017

A heavy heart here... John, your last sentence sums it up.

JRobyn · Jun 10, 2017

'Bout time for a bump for Raspy's great old thread - A thank you from the Conservation Center with a great pic of Sandy.

You all are AMAZING! You make a... - Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center | Facebook

Raspy · Jun 14, 2017

JRobyn,

Thanks for the bump and kind words.

Sandy really is making a difference, just by being her fun and expressive self. So many people have become interested in her and maybe, are beginning to see that there's more to coyotes than they thought.

I laugh every time I see that picture. A full throated comment. Ears pointed straight down. :laughing::laughing: I wonder what she said and who it was meant for?

We won't see her this year, but I hope to next year. I plan to retire after the end of the year and we'll hit the road for a while. Sandy will be one of our first stops. She's been waiting a long time for some more rabbit!

dragoneggs · Jun 14, 2017

Raspy... always looking forward to your reports. I think you might remember I shared some of my very fond experiences with my Coydog that we rescued from the wild and lived with us for many years.

Raspy · Jun 14, 2017

dragon,

I certainly do remember your touching story and have even told other friends about it too.

Sheesh! What is it with these dogs!?

Right now, our new little pal, Gogo is lying here keeping an eye on me. She'll nap till a strange sound is heard and then look at me wondering. I know she's a bit bored and would love to go for a spin.

I recently had a nice conversation with one of the volunteers, Cherie, at the local shelter. Some years ago, she went in looking for a dog. They had an injured and sick one quarantined, that was going to be put down. She said "I want that one" and they said no. She insisted and informed them that she was going to rescue that dog and save it. The two seemed to have some powerful connection that came through in spite of the suffering.

The dog turned out to be at least part coyote. He recovered from his sickness but had a deformed leg from an injury. They spent three years together as best friends and she was deeply touched. Now, like with me, whenever the subject of coyotes comes up, her ears perk up too.

Now she volunteers there and I asked her to please get in touch with me if they ever get in another coydog. It may be time to call her again and remind her.

As a change of subject, I also began to wonder about the dogs in Mexico. Many of them run free in the rural areas of Baja and many of them resemble coyotes. I bet there are lot of coydogs there.

Take care.

dragoneggs · Jun 14, 2017

No one will ever convince me there is a better companion and family member (wife excluded here) than a coydog. Notice I didn't include kids. :laughing: