Pets CORNER Surviving a Night time Encounter
By Karen Laws www.ontariodogtrainer.com
In the serene countryside I’ve called home for over two decades, I’ve had my fair share of encoun-
ters with wildlife, from skunks and deer to black bears. However, nothing could have prepared me for that unforgettable September morning when a seemingly routine trip outside with one of my beloved canine pals, Charlie Brown, took a harrowing twist. Meet Charlie, a 7-year-old Boston Terrier, who has Facebook (Karen Law Dog Trainer) Instagram @karenlawslive earned the special privilege of living in our house(@TheOntarioDogTrainer) YouTube Channel instead of the kennel, and sharing my bed, snuggled up in a warm blanket. But at the early hour of 4 a.m., on that memorable day, Charlie took a tumble out of bed, setting off a chain of events that would leave me shaken to my core. Charlie, isn’t actually my dog; he’s a client dog who has been a cherished member of my pack for almost six years. His owner had brought him to me for help with his overwhelming fear of nearly everything, and he has since seamlessly integrated into my pack. Aware of Charlie’s tendency to leave unwelcome surprises on the floor, I swiftly scooped him up and rushed outside, into the darkness of the night. While I expected Charlie to complete his business swiftly and return, time seemed to stretch endlessly and a gnawing sense of unease crept over me. My instincts urged me to check on him, but I had neglected to bring a flashlight and I made the unfortunate mistake of leaving the deck lights off. As I was about to return indoors to grab a flashlight, it was at this very moment that a blood-curdling scream shattered the tranquillity of the night. I quickly turned around, only to be met with a heart-stopping sight. A mere few feet from where I stood, a terrified Charlie was fleeing for his life, being relentlessly pursued by a coyote. In a fran64
tic moment, I screamed Charlie’s name, interrupting the chase and sending the coyote fleeing into the darkness. Just as quickly, Charlie turned around instantly and dashed through the open door to the safety of the bedroom. He jumped up on the bed, trembling, staring back through the door, his eyes wide with fear. To my surprise, he, who usually cherished the warmth of a blanket, refused comfort. Instead, he sat, tense and vigilant, as if the danger still lingered. Hours elapsed before he finally relaxed, but the experience had etched itself into our memories. Living in the countryside can foster complacency, but that night served as a stark reminder of the latent dangers. When venturing outside with your pet after dark, always ensure they’re on a leash, generate noise to deter potential threats, and illuminate your surroundings with outdoor lights. Opportunistic predators, like coyotes, can strike when least expected, making vigilance a top priority.
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