His Yorkie nearly died in a coyote attack. Now, he's urging other Calgary pet owners to be extra careful
CBC
A Calgarian is urging pet owners to be extra careful and keep their dogs leashed after his 13-pound Yorkshire Terrier, Chewbacca, was nearly killed in a coyote attack last week.
Meanwhile, a coyote researcher says Calgarians should be more vigilant during this time of year, when young coyotes are on their own for the first time.
Last Tuesday around 10 p.m., Lucas Ramage let 12-year-old Chewbacca out into the unfenced front yard in the northwest community of Briar Hill for his nighttime potty break.
Then he heard a strange noise outside.
"I came outside to find my little dog surrounded by five, fully grown coyotes," said Ramage.
Ramage acted fast. He says he bolted out the door and chased the coyotes away, and they left without a fight.
But Chewbacca was left highly distressed and injured.
Ramage said he immediately drove Chewie to the nearest emergency vet clinic, where he was treated for severe wounds all over his body.
"He's a 13-pound dog against five, fully grown coyotes, so he didn't really stand much of a chance, and it's quite miraculous that he didn't perish right away," Ramage said.
"Thankfully, with quick intervention, Chewbacca is still with us today."
After spending five nights in the hospital, Ramage said Chewbacca is recovering back at home. He said the Yorkie is highly medicated and docile, and Chewie may never be the same again.
He said he has some advice for other dog owners: learn and listen to the city's guidelines to keep pets safe from coyotes.
"I've heard of incidents with other animals, and yet I didn't heed the advice to always keep your eyes on your pet and always keep them on leash, or under a sort of fenced environment where you just know that they'll be safe," said Ramage.
Ramage said he'll never let Chewie roam the front yard alone again and is grateful to have more time with his pup.
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