Mini poodle rescues furry companion

Sisters resident and Rotarian Gayla Nelson spends a lot of her time outdoors on her 10-acre ranch, caring for her four horses. Her two dogs - Louie, a 22-pound mini poodle, and Zoe, a tiny Yorkshire terrier - enjoy tagging along. Last month, a routine morning of tending to a horse in need turned into a terrifying ordeal for Nelson and her two furry friends.

"Suddenly I heard Louie start barking like crazy and then I heard Zoe, she was yelping loudly. Then Louie's bark turned vicious and he sounded like a Rottweiler. This all happened within a couple of seconds," Nelson said. "I ran toward them, they weren't far away, and Zoe came limping toward me yelping in pain with blood all over her."

A large coyote had wandered into the yard in broad daylight and nabbed Zoe, the smallest canine. But to the coyote's surprise, Louie became extremely aggressive in protection of Zoe. The coyote was intimidated and dropped Zoe out of the clutches of its sharp teeth.

Coyotes, an icon of the American West, are common in Oregon, where they are widely distributed across the landscape. Coyotes are commonplace in rural areas around Sisters Country, but have been spotted in urban areas as well.

According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Coyotes are skilled hunters and will eat rodents, birds, snakes, small deer and antelope, insects, fruits and berries. They are opportunistic feeders and will also eat pets, pet food, and garbage.

Coyote conflicts can range from sightings to pet killings to an exceptionally rare attack on a human being. They have been known to attack a family pet in broad daylight, and also domestic livestock.

According to ODFW the key to responding appropriately to a threatening encounter with a coyote is to scare it away. You can shout, bang pots and pans, stomp your feet or wave your arms.

"I couldn't believe it, Louie - who used to be afraid of his own shadow - fearlessly chased that coyote out of the yard," Nelson said. "I kept screaming for Louie to come, and he always listens, but this time he wanted to make sure that the coyote was gone."

Zoe was bleeding with one deep puncture wound by her right shoulder and two on the other shoulder.

"I rushed Zoe to Sisters Veterinary Clinic, and Dr. Pittman attended to Zoe's wounds right away. Zoe had to stay at the vet's all day, but they let her come home at night," Nelson said. "It was a critical period for her. She was on medications and I sat with her all night in my arms. She's been such a close companion to me for six years."

Nelson remembered four years earlier when she rescued Louie from an abusive situation.

"He was frightened of everyone. So I started socializing him by bringing him along on overnight camping excursions with the Ochoco Outlaws, a group of women that ride and camp together, and over time he adjusted really well," said Nelson. "Louie loves going everywhere with me, including when I work with the Oregon Equestrian Trail group, and the Oregon National Guard Youth Corps helps us with trail building. Everyone loves Louie, and he's the only dog allowed out on the work parties."

Zoe is doing great and her wounds have healed well.

"About a week after Zoe's incident with the coyote when I was with my camping group, the women had heard about how fearless Louie was, and they had a naming ceremony," said Nelson. "They made a big production out of what a hero Louie was, and gifted him with a special collar that says "Brave Heart," with a purple feather."

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers the following tips to help prevent coyote/pet confrontations: Feed pets indoors and do not leave pet food or water bowls outside. Supervise your pets when they are outside; if possible, keep them leashed. If you spot a coyote, keep your distance, have your dog leashed or get him inside as quickly if possible. Do not leave cats or small dogs out after dark. Also, secure your garbage cans in an area inaccessible to wild animals; they can attract coyotes.