Continued musings from a nature lover's meanderings through Wellesley and Weston, MA

It had actually been quite a while since I have spotted a coyote, or even heard one for that matter. Other people reported sightings around the Ash Street reservoir in Weston, or along trails and roads, but much to my disappointment, I had not seen one in months. A dramatic turn of events occured a few weeks before Christmas.

About 7 AM on a chilly December Saturday morning, I was thinking that I didn’t have to rush anywhere for a change and could take some time before lurching into the day. I adorned my dog Molly with her red jacket ( she doesn’t like the cold ) and “shock collar”,  a supplemental protection against her escape instincts. Even though we have a fenced backyard, her genesis as an almost feral stray inspires her to explore ways to dig her way out of the yard.  Without even a sip of coffee to jump start my engine, I opened the door to let Molly out and before I could close the door and turn to pour my first cup, I noticed my dog was on alert. Tail held high and twitching, ears perked up, her eyes were focused on the left side of our backyard.

I heard the sound of rustling leaves.  Thinking deer were right outside the fence, I tried to quietly get in position to take a look. Much to my surprise, it was a coyote.  A big coyote. He/she must have been watching Molly, but was frightened by me. As soon as the coyote took off, Molly went in pursuit. They were running along side each other - the coyote outside the fence and Molly inside, until suddenly she found a hole in the fence or under the fence, I have never succeeded in finding either, and the two of them headed into the woods.

I was stunned and more than a little frightened for my 48 pound hound. What if the coyote was luring her into a hungry pack?  What if she chased him so far, she got lost? I ran out the gate and into the woods, grateful I was wearing a fleece jacket over flannel p.j’s and that I had on shoes. I am pretty sure I was screaming for Molly to come back….yeah, she would get right on that.  

Just as suddenly as the whole fracas started, it ended. The coyote accelerated speed, and Molly backed off. As the coyote disappeared over a hill, Molly stopped and kicked her back legs behind her in that motion dogs make as if to say, “take that!”  Relief washed over me, but I could not help but think how funny she appeared, acting so tough, while wearing her red coat. I wonder if the coyote thought she smelled like a dog, sounded like a dog, but didn’t look much like one.                                   

 Ann Burford, ABR, Pinnacle Realtor

Cell: 781.910.1419

Office: 781.237.5000

aburford@PinnacleHouses.com

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.