There's nothing like Mother Nature to inspire awe and at times, completely terrify us. Such was the case for a group of humans banding together to save one very imperiled dog.
Jeanne and Robin Modesitt are local volunteers at Best Friends. They love dogs and they love nature and the two together are just the best way to spend some time. On Tuesday they were on their way to take a weekly hike up Pugh Canyon. They spotted a car they were familiar with that belonged to Ruthie, a local and owner of the ARC thrift store in Fredonia. Inside the car were two of her three dogs, but no Ruthie and no Ziggy ( her third dog). That was unusual because usually Ruthie and her three dogs hike off leash every morning in Pugh Canyon.
Well it didn't take them long to find an answer as Ruthie ran down the path toward them in hysterics. Ruthie couldn't find Ziggy and she'd been looking for over an hour. Ziggy was her little rescued terrier, old and from a terribly abusive home. She and Ziggy had been together for two years. Jeanne and Robin offered to look for Ziggy. Ruthie left to take her other two dogs home and said she would be right back, thankful that Jeanne and Robin had come along and found her.
Jeanne and Robin split up and that's when Jeanne got a horrible image in her mind of where Ziggy might be. She ran for more than 15 minutes and came upon a devastating scene. A coyote was crouched over a mutilated Ziggy, ripping away at her. Jeanne didn't even have to think. She ran toward the coyote, screaming and waving her arms. The coyote not only didn't run the other way, he attacked Jeanne! First he grabbed her arm and then jumped at her face. Jeanne finally just grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and shook him as hard as she could and then tossed him. He finally ran off. Poor Jeanne was covered in blood and she wasn't sure whose. Poor little Ziggy was a mess and barely alive. Robin tracked them down and gently carried Ziggy to the car. Ruthie had returned by this point and was devastated when she saw Ziggy. She sure looked like a goner.
They raced off to the Best Friends Clinic where Dr. Mike was very pessimistic after seeing Ziggy. He'd never seen injuries this bad and the dog still survive. Dr. Mike rushed her into surgery and did some major repair work and by some kind of miracle, Ziggy made it through the surgery! She's still alive, but not out of danger yet. Her injuries were many and very serious.
Meanwhile, Jeanne went into shock from her ordeal and had to be treated. Fortunately, she found no bite wounds, but she's bruised from where the coyote grabbed her arm and totally traumatized emotionally from doing battle with him. She's currently recovering at home with Robin and their dog Andy hovering over her.
What a set of miracles this was. First Jeanne and Robin encountering Ruthie when she needed help the most and then Jeanne trusting her instincts to know just where to look for Ziggy. And who stands up to a hungry coyote? I sure couldn't, but it didn't stop Jeanne. She could have been seriously injured and what if there had been more than one coyote? Ziggy's the biggest miracle. She's survived an abusive past, was almost devoured and has rallied to at least come through surgery of major proportion. Thank goodness Dr. Mike didn't give up and used his skill to do everything in his power to save Ruthie's dog. Some would have written her off as another coyote victim.
So when Mother Nature gets tough, we need to thank all the powers out there for helping us cope and survive her wrath. I realize this was a story of epic length, but the short version just wouldn't have gotten the severity across. So if I could ask for some prayers...........no make that LOTS OF PRAYERS, I can think of a little group who could really use them right now.
Prayers for little Ziggy that she survives this awful experience and can go back to the wonderful life Ruthie provided for her.
Prayers for Ruthie and Ziggy's two doggie siblings, for they are just drowning in worry right now.
Prayers for Jeanne that she heals from her harrowing rescue and nightmarish encounter with the coyote and that her bruises aren't too serious. And of course thankful prayers that Jeanne was brave enough to jump in without regard of her own safety to help little Ziggy.
Prayers for Robin and Andy as they help Jeanne get through all this.
Thankful prayers for Dr. Mike and his staff for all they do and not just for Ziggy, but for all those animals that others would have given up on.
And finally please say a prayer for the coyote. He was after all, only being a coyote and was probably scared witless from his encounter with Jeanne.
Pat
"The road to a Forever Home is paved with Sleepovers."
Ziggy. and the whole crew gets BIG prayers from our house!
It just goes to prove that"
1. There are no accidents.
2. Everything happens for a reason
3. When the going gets tough, the tough get going...
YOU GO JEANNE! II am SO proud of you! Ok, yes, it was a risk and probably not calculated at the time. Yote wanted to protect food, but not at the risk of actually having a human go after it!!!! Nature protected you...you were the "Mother Bear" when it came to Ziggy. Nature respects "Mother Bears." You weren't bitten? OMIGOD, how AWESOME is that? Coyote knew it was taking on the "big predator" and thought a few warning nips would be good enough. And scary that it went after your face. And would I tell my daughter or granddaughters to do this, NO...but the reality is, if you go in with the right intentions and your righteous anger is fired up...whew, you became a FORMIDABLE predator. Had it been videotaped, I am sure you would have been the UTUBE pick of the year.
You never know when you hear the "call" to be somewhere at the right time for the right thing. You girls heard the call, and Jeanne, how very special that you "saw" and "knew" and followed that instinct. You had so many lessons in this particular situation. Listen to your gut, trust the pictures, flow with the righteous anger....Trust that when you do the right thing with the right intentions, it will all turn out. I know you must be shaking in your boots still at such an encounter. But what an accolade to your strength of body and will to take on a single coyote. (Ok, I have one here killing my chickens and I would cheerfully engage hand to hand with her in a minute!) I agree...to do so with a pack would have been foolishness; or to take on a bear or a puma...no way....; but I see why you did what you did, and I know I would have done the same. Bully for you, girlfriend! You have now claimed coyote's power and wilyness. Coyote is a new totem for you if you claim him. The trickster. Powerful energy.
Ruthie, how lucky for you that the girls were there when they were. Prayers for you and yours. Prayers for Ziggy. I know how traumatic something like this is (I have a coyote who is killing my animals right and left but we can't use a "gun" here). The universe was watching over you and your babies. Breathe deeply and bless this whole thing because it was something important. Perhaps there needs to be some signs and education put up at this particular spot that Coyotes do exist and will attack....this is how you educate the public. You can do a very valuable service for hikers in the area by pursuing this. (Long story about a little girl who died during spring break by a sneaker wave and her mother and the mother who was in charge of her (and her daughter DID NOT die)...banded together and have created the most amazing campaign that the state has taken up for education about sneaker waves on the Oregon coast)....look for the opportunties to educate and protect.
Coyote? Your bad luck. You were doing and being coyote. Just as we can't fault cats for being cats, dogs for being dogs, etc....Coyote was doing what coyotes do and is why they are one of the oldest surviving species. It just was not the best day for Ziggy...and their paths crossed. And can you imagine the talk in the circle of coyotes???? OMIGOD this crazy HUMAN came AFTER ME? What is THAT all about? Where are her boundaries??? I AM COYOTE! I HAVE TEETH? (And he would never admit to being shaken and tossed...believe me...shaken? OMIGOD Jeanne! You gave the poor coyote a whole new definition of the word!!!!) I'd like to believe somewhere along the way he's part of a pack that wants to do bad things and he's like the voice of reason, "No dudes, you don't understand, yo ureally need to turn your back and walk away from this one...." Jeanne, who knows, somewhere along the way, you may have saved a baby in a back yard....you just don't know.
Robin, you were there to be a part of this as well. Who knows what your lesson is, but it will never be forgotten and you will continue to step up to help. You'll save more than a friend in need or a dog in trouble some day. This experience will give you power if you will claim it as your own.
Jeanne, please try not to be overwhelmed with this. You are a part of this Universe. We are all ONE. We are one with the animals, the minerals, those that are feathered, winged, scaled and furred...and all the ones I have missed. You were given such a blessed opportunity to be a savior and a potential victim---and you prevailed. As the world gets smaller, and the spaces between animals and humans grows smaller...it will take people of great strength to impose the boundaries with the animals...and to live harmoniously with them. I think you are going to be a great teacher. Right now, I live in a curious balance/harmony with a skunk. It doesn't spray us when it comes very close to us (and we usually don't have any idea where it is when we walk past), and it eats food put out for the feral cats. There is a trust of some sorts and boundaries and balance. And I believe that this is what is in our future...and only strong people can maintain and develop the balance.
Dr. Mike and all helpers, bless you. When our baby goat had his nose ripped off by a coyote, the first vet said, "oh, too bad..." The second one said, "I'll do what I can." Our baby Beau is bright and funny and many months older, thanks to the bravery and compassion of a good vet. Applause everywhere!
I've said enough. But what a wonderful story with an almost happy ending and we will be praying for Ruthie, Ziggy and the whole crew.
Crossed paws, claws, feathers, and fingers.
Candi
Oh my gosh Amazing
Many many prayers for this group.
Big prayers for Ziggy, what a terrific little girl. Jeanne the wonderful women who rescued Ziggy, and Robin and Andy who are helping her. Thanking jeanne for following your instincts and being so brave.
What beautiful beings you are all. Many many prayers coming your way, and for the Coyote who was just trying to make a living..
Please keep us updated on everybody...
Prayers on the way for everyone involved, how scary. If anyone can survive this it will be Ziggy, terriers are tough little dogs.
Coyotes are frightfully adaptable and will hunt alone or in packs. I have seen them here in AZ when we were out horseback riding. They will have a female try to draw the dogs away from the riders, so the pack can attack. They did run from a 1200 pound horse with a person screaming like a banshee aboard.
Prayers coming big time from TX, especially Ziggy.
What an amazing story of courage! Pattycatty, you wrote it very well. Thank you.
Please keep us updated on this story.
My best to all who were involved.
Nancy
Major prayers from the Young Pack. what an ordeal. Terrifying and jeanne you were so brave.
Ziggy, may the healing powers of love rain down upon you and those that rescued you.
HUGS
Lisa
Dear little Ziggy and brave, brave Jeannie - the bunny candle is lit for both of you and prayers that you both will make a good recovery from a terrible experience.
What a traumatic event this was for every one, Pat! Coyotes are beautiful animals, but can be so dangerous for other animals, and for humans. I'll add Ziggy, Ruth, Jeanne, Robin and Andy and Ruth's other two dogs to the lists for the Candles as well as the Coyote. I hope he was scared by Jeanne, scared enough to move further away from humans, for his sake and that of the humans and animals in the area.
Please let us know when you get an update on everyone.
Hugs
Marion
Poor Ziggy, Jeanne and Robin, what a horrible experience. Praying that Ziggy will be alright and Jeanne recovers from her attack.
Oh, what a horrific scene it must have been. I hope Jeanne has/is recovering well. Good thing she wasn't hurt worse, but I think Themb4me has it. Coyote sensed a very protective mama bear. I admire her courage, but then of course, wouldn't we all fight "tooth and nail" to save our own or our friends' own.
Keep us posted on little Ziggy. Poor dear. I know he prolly wouldn't say it, but Dr. Mike has special healing powers.
Prayers for them all from the Tux and I.
Jean & the Tux
Ziggy is still alive! Dr. Mike is calling her a "miracle dog." Since being rushed into the clinic, she has had to undergo several operations. The coyote ate her tail and bit her several times, plus ate a large chunk of her body that covered her stomach and intestines. (The coyoyte actually punctured her intestines.) ZIggy actually ate a small jar of baby food out of Ruthie's hand today! If she lives, and that is a big IF, she will have to stay in the clinic for 5 weeks. The clinic staff all love little Ziggy so much. They are all rooting for her, and we (Ruthie, Robin, and I) are so profoundly grateful for your prayers. I was interviewed by the local paper yesterday, and I told them that I attacked the coyote, and the coyote fought back because he was hungry and he wanted his prey (Ziggy). I came on to the coyote like a crazed mama bear. One doesn't really think in those situations, one acts on instinct. Yesterday, I went back to the spot in Pugh Canyon where I came across Ziggy and the coyote, and I told the coyote (wherever he was) that I was sorry I had to kick him and lift him up by the scruff of the neck, but that Ziggy was someone's baby, and I had to do whatever I could to save her.
I am still traumatized by the event. At night, the visions of the coyote eating Ziggy, and then ripping at my coat, haunt me, over and over again. But I know in time, the flashbacks will fade. Sweeter visions are taking place. The one that happened today--I was holding Ziggy up in a sitting position, and Ruthie was handfeeding her baby food. Ziggy looking into our eyes with so much love. Thank you all so much. I will keep you posted on "the miracle dog."
Yay Ziggy! What EXCELLENT news! We are sure all cheering for her out here!
Hope you told the newspaper reporter "this should not be attempted by children or those who are not experts"
You know, it is all about boundaries. Coyote has lots of wild things to eat...no shortage at this point--Coyote needs to understand there are those things he can eat and those things he will rue the day if he tries to eat! Mama Bears are entitled to kick the crap out of anyone messing with their own. No apologies needed. Coyote crossed a boundary and was lucky someone didn't have a big gun, a knife, or a set of teeth bigger than him. Ha!
Hang in there. You are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you continue to have flashbacks, then ask your doc for a referral for some counseling. But I have to say, you have some great counselors on this site....and you are right...replacing the good visions for that of Ziggy eating baby food is way cool. Who knows, you may have actually saved Coyote's life for another time around where he will forego "dog food."
My dearest Jeanne - I was so happy to hear your update on Ziggy. We may not be physically there right now, but we are very much surrounding you with so many thoughts of love and support. Just picture us encircling you and embracing all your pain, and sharing your joy in the good moments. God Bless you and Ruthie and Ziggy. Ziggy is so fortunate to be surrounded by love. God bless the coyote for doing what was coming naturally to him.
Prayers and good wishes are coming your way for Ziggy and all involved. What a frightening experience. Hopefully, with the excellent medical care and love and support from so many, Ziggy will recover soon. Please keep us posted. Jodi
Thank you for the Ziggy update, Jeanne, and for all you did to save Ziggy. I'm sure I'm not the only one here in awe of your courage.
I hope the image of Ziggy eating the baby food will quickly replace the terrible memories of the attack, and let you find some peace.