RobertBrown
Veteran Member
She sure is pretty, truly a gift ,that has no recipient, yet so much appreciated.
Thanks again for this thread.
Thanks again for this thread.
Found a coyote, I think
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Raspy
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Thanks to everyone for all the great comments and suggestions.
In the last two days I've been turned down by two more sanctuaries. So our adventure continues.
If we could legitimately get her rabies shots, get her spayed and be able, if needed, to get her medical attention, we'd gladly keep her. But she is just considered wildlife. Just a nuisance. And further, it's illegal for vets to work on her.
It was recently suggested that she might be able to live on the private duck club land not to far away, but it turns out the coyotes get more ducks than the hunters, so that's out. I love that story. The wily coyotes are more capable than the hunters!
It's so interesting that this fascinating, friendly, fun loving and very adaptable little dog can also be a serious menace in another setting. I'm still struggling to see the difference between wild and tame. She is different than other dogs I've had, but her environment here has eliminated the struggle for food and the fear of humans. Maybe the biggest difference is her determination to do the things she wants to do. She has a simple routine each day and hunting, competition for food or hunger are not part of it. She dose patrol around, plays keep-away, marks her territory, hides her food, sleeps during the heat of the day and has very predictable hours. She also loves to spend time with us in various settings. But she doesn't seem to have much interest in pleasing us. Other, more domesticated dogs, are more responsive to commands and more interested in their master's mood or direction. Bei Bei, for instance, is always ready to go do something and is just waiting for me to say so. Her tail is always wagging. She loves to meet new people. I can take food away from her without incident and I can tell her to "look" when there is something interesting, and she will. She also is likely to wander off. Sandy, so far doesn't wander off at all and always sets her range based on where I am. But recently BeiBei wandered off and took Sandy with her. Sandy was troubled by it and only went a short distance. When we were looking for Bei Bei, Sandy was trying to show us where she was by looking in that direction and being uneasy. Things were out of order and she didn't like it. Order and routine are important to any dog, it seems, and maybe even more to this one.
On the other hand, domestic dogs can be very vicious. They can become wary and mean, pack up and attack other animals, etc. Our dogs miss us when we are gone and we always get a nice greeting. That's one of the fun things about dogs that we all love. Sandy seems to want to go when we are getting in the car and she can ride for hours without a problem. But if she has to be left behind she just watches us leave or trots off to do something else. If she is up during the day when I get home, she comes over for a nice greeting or to check my hand for a cookie. If we drove off and left Bei Bei out, no telling where she would be when we got back. Eddie is even worse with his separation anxiety.
It seems there is something to "wild" vs "domesticated", but a lot of the difference is environment. I can never really put my finger on an absolute difference with Sandy. At least that's what I see with this particular dog. I will also admit I don't trust her completely. For instance, I'm careful with Sandy around my young granddaughters. We've had no problems, but she is an unruly pup in some ways and everyone who meets her is expecting "wild" behavior. The same behavior that amuses an adult can scare a child. It's more that she lives in her own world. Many have described her as being a lot like a cat.
In the last two days I've been turned down by two more sanctuaries. So our adventure continues.
If we could legitimately get her rabies shots, get her spayed and be able, if needed, to get her medical attention, we'd gladly keep her. But she is just considered wildlife. Just a nuisance. And further, it's illegal for vets to work on her.
It was recently suggested that she might be able to live on the private duck club land not to far away, but it turns out the coyotes get more ducks than the hunters, so that's out. I love that story. The wily coyotes are more capable than the hunters!
It's so interesting that this fascinating, friendly, fun loving and very adaptable little dog can also be a serious menace in another setting. I'm still struggling to see the difference between wild and tame. She is different than other dogs I've had, but her environment here has eliminated the struggle for food and the fear of humans. Maybe the biggest difference is her determination to do the things she wants to do. She has a simple routine each day and hunting, competition for food or hunger are not part of it. She dose patrol around, plays keep-away, marks her territory, hides her food, sleeps during the heat of the day and has very predictable hours. She also loves to spend time with us in various settings. But she doesn't seem to have much interest in pleasing us. Other, more domesticated dogs, are more responsive to commands and more interested in their master's mood or direction. Bei Bei, for instance, is always ready to go do something and is just waiting for me to say so. Her tail is always wagging. She loves to meet new people. I can take food away from her without incident and I can tell her to "look" when there is something interesting, and she will. She also is likely to wander off. Sandy, so far doesn't wander off at all and always sets her range based on where I am. But recently BeiBei wandered off and took Sandy with her. Sandy was troubled by it and only went a short distance. When we were looking for Bei Bei, Sandy was trying to show us where she was by looking in that direction and being uneasy. Things were out of order and she didn't like it. Order and routine are important to any dog, it seems, and maybe even more to this one.
On the other hand, domestic dogs can be very vicious. They can become wary and mean, pack up and attack other animals, etc. Our dogs miss us when we are gone and we always get a nice greeting. That's one of the fun things about dogs that we all love. Sandy seems to want to go when we are getting in the car and she can ride for hours without a problem. But if she has to be left behind she just watches us leave or trots off to do something else. If she is up during the day when I get home, she comes over for a nice greeting or to check my hand for a cookie. If we drove off and left Bei Bei out, no telling where she would be when we got back. Eddie is even worse with his separation anxiety.
It seems there is something to "wild" vs "domesticated", but a lot of the difference is environment. I can never really put my finger on an absolute difference with Sandy. At least that's what I see with this particular dog. I will also admit I don't trust her completely. For instance, I'm careful with Sandy around my young granddaughters. We've had no problems, but she is an unruly pup in some ways and everyone who meets her is expecting "wild" behavior. The same behavior that amuses an adult can scare a child. It's more that she lives in her own world. Many have described her as being a lot like a cat.
OP
Raspy
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Robert,
I like to think we are all recipients in this case. A once in a lifetime glimpse into the world right outside our doors. A vulnerable little visitor with so much beauty and personality.
Thanks for your comments.
2LaneCruzer
Super Member
She hasn't been vaccinated for rabies? I suggest you check into vaccinating her yourself; I know in this state, some vaccines are available to the public, perhaps they are available in your state also. You might check also with your regional department of agriculture, they might help, if only with information. I can recall when I was in high school, our Ag teacher vaccinated all the local dogs.
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Raspy
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2Lane,
I have given her all shots but rabies. Rabies is not available except by a vet or at a clinic. There is only one or two states that rabies vaccine can be purchased in, or sent to by mail. Shot records from a vaccinating vet go to the state or county and a certificate is issued to the dog owner. That certificate and the one mailed to the authority are used for licensing and to obtain dog tags.
It is illegal for vets to vaccinate coyotes in Nevada and in other states I've checked.
The best solution, if the dog is to be kept, is to find a vet with some compassion for animals that can see how important it is. Or to call Sandy a "shepherd mix" and take her to a clinic at the feed store. I don't want to scam the system, I'm just frustrated with the system as it is.
This problem is part of a bigger set of problems that make it so hard to keep a dog like this. It's not just vaccinations, it's also ANY medical care, which is also illegal to perform on "wildlife". So, a broken leg or infected cut is a death sentence. She cannot be spayed.
Since dog tags are tied in with licensing and proof of rabies, it becomes very complicated. If Sandy was to bite someone I would be unable to prove she was vaccinated, even if she was. And if she was, my efforts to prove her health could expose a compassionate vet.
Now, are you ready for a really bizarre story? My neighbor has had horses for many years. She developed a very close relationship with a local vet and they became good friends. I asked her to check and see if we could get Sandy vaccinated and she inquired. During the conversation we considered how it would be a lot easier if Sandy was a shepherd mix and that would even make it easier to get her other care. The vet said if Sandy was a shepherd mix she would be happy to set something up with us. My neighbor came over the next morning to give me the news, but when she arrived she said there was a big problem. The poor vet had died in her sleep that night.
I have given her all shots but rabies. Rabies is not available except by a vet or at a clinic. There is only one or two states that rabies vaccine can be purchased in, or sent to by mail. Shot records from a vaccinating vet go to the state or county and a certificate is issued to the dog owner. That certificate and the one mailed to the authority are used for licensing and to obtain dog tags.
It is illegal for vets to vaccinate coyotes in Nevada and in other states I've checked.
The best solution, if the dog is to be kept, is to find a vet with some compassion for animals that can see how important it is. Or to call Sandy a "shepherd mix" and take her to a clinic at the feed store. I don't want to scam the system, I'm just frustrated with the system as it is.
This problem is part of a bigger set of problems that make it so hard to keep a dog like this. It's not just vaccinations, it's also ANY medical care, which is also illegal to perform on "wildlife". So, a broken leg or infected cut is a death sentence. She cannot be spayed.
Since dog tags are tied in with licensing and proof of rabies, it becomes very complicated. If Sandy was to bite someone I would be unable to prove she was vaccinated, even if she was. And if she was, my efforts to prove her health could expose a compassionate vet.
Now, are you ready for a really bizarre story? My neighbor has had horses for many years. She developed a very close relationship with a local vet and they became good friends. I asked her to check and see if we could get Sandy vaccinated and she inquired. During the conversation we considered how it would be a lot easier if Sandy was a shepherd mix and that would even make it easier to get her other care. The vet said if Sandy was a shepherd mix she would be happy to set something up with us. My neighbor came over the next morning to give me the news, but when she arrived she said there was a big problem. The poor vet had died in her sleep that night.
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Raspy
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Oops, double post
RandyBell
Silver Member
John that is a shame to get that close and have that happen. We really haven't any problems with ours do to "mixed breed" statusWe have two vets that we have seen, one for normal visits and one for more advanced conditions( he has more connections). The female (Shadow) pulls it off well, but the boy(Weasel) can't hide it. We are cautious with the grandchildren around, and the only issue we have is weasel gets tired of the kids and he just wants to go to his bed. Things where a little apprehensive after the animal release out here, it kinda was at the top of the radar for awhile. I still think I would call her a mix and find a vet you like.
Good luck John
Randy
Good luck John
Randy
2LaneCruzer
Super Member
Well, as I originally opined, I think the possibility is real that she is a "coy-dog", or a mix...rare I know, but possible. Her latest pictures suggest to me that she is a mix, but I suppose that only DNA would tell for sure.
mad_planter
Silver Member
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I agree. She is a coy-dog mix and I would proceed accordingly. You are doing the right thing with her and I would proceed with that assumption so you can continue taking care of her. I don't think she would last long in the wild at this point and I have seen plenty of dogs that look as much like a coyote as she does.
mad_planter
Silver Member
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I agree. She is a coy-dog mix and I would proceed accordingly. You are doing the right thing with her and I would proceed with that assumption so you can continue taking care of her. I don't think she would last long in the wild at this point and I have seen plenty of dogs that look as much like a coyote as she does.
