Brave Tiny Senior Dog Saves Sibling from Coyote Attack: “Our Little Hero”
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In Mission Viejo, California, a courageous senior dog sprang into action to protect his younger canine brother from a coyote attack. David and Erin Mascaluso recounted the incident, explaining that they had just let out Vinny, an 11-year-old Maltese/dachshund mix, and his younger brother Harley into their backyard.
A home video captured the heart-stopping moment that triggered the dogs to race through the yard. The footage, obtained by KTLA, shows a coyote leaping over the gate and chasing after Harley. Near the entrance, the coyote manages to capture Harley by the bushes.
However, in a remarkable display of bravery, Vinny swiftly comes to his brother’s aid from the opposite side of the yard. Fearlessly, the senior pup charges into the bushes, frightening the coyote away and allowing Harley to escape safely back to the house.
Following the incident, Erin shared with Fox 11 Los Angeles that they immediately rushed Harley to the emergency vet. It wasn’t until they were waiting in the vet’s lobby that they realized the true extent of what had happened after reviewing their camera footage. David added that despite their vigilance, a single momentary lapse could have resulted in the loss of their beloved companion.
Harley received stitches for two lacerations and suffered several bite marks and abrasions from the coyote. While acknowledging that Harley’s injuries could have been worse, his grateful pet parents feel fortunate that Vinny’s quick response saved the day. David expressed his awe, saying, “You know, a little 10-pound, three-tooth dog… and 11 years old chased off a 60-pound coyote. So, it’s pretty amazing. He did a great job. He’s our little hero.”
Dr. Shari Rodriguez, an assistant professor of human dimensions of wildlife at Clemson University, advised pet owners to ensure their animals are never left unattended, as coyotes may perceive smaller domesticated pets as prey. In an urban setting, coyotes view cats and other defenseless animals as potential targets. Rodriguez emphasized that when pets roam freely, they become part of the local ecosystem and can be seen as prey by various species.
This incident echoes a similar event from the previous year when a Labrador retriever saved his sister, a Boston terrier named Sadie, from a coyote attack in Huntington Beach, California. The coyote managed to leap over a six-foot wall into the dogs’ backyard, seizing Sadie by the neck. However, the Labrador retriever, alerted by his sister’s distress, intervened and scared the coyote away, causing the predator to release Sadie from its grasp.
These stories serve as a reminder of the unwavering loyalty and courage that dogs can display in the face of danger, protecting their loved ones from harm and proving themselves as true heroes.
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