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OPINION

Potter: Protect your pets against attack

Posted

I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that I am writing this warning yet again.

On July 3, just before dusk, my husband and I were in our backyard on the 18th fairway of North Golf Course watching the coyote family as the mother watched over three of her pups playing. We know that she is a very conscientious and protective mother and, unlike other coyotes, has shown aggression toward dogs. We also noticed a woman and her innocent dog, about the same size as the 4-month-old coyote puppies, just strolling down the fairway, completely unaware of the danger, and acting like she was in a park.

The pups ran toward home but mama took notice of the dog. She began to take an aggressive stance and quickly but quietly approached the dog from the side and slightly behind. We both ran out into the fairway yelling, ”Coyote, coyote, there’s a coyote!” This woman finally saw her and picked up her dog with only about 10 feet to spare! A very close call!

We were shocked by her response. Instead of thanking us for saving her dog, she just glared at me, as if I, or the coyote, were at fault here. My husband and I are glad we saved her dog, even if she was not appreciative.

I continued crossing the fairway to catch her as she went between two houses toward the sidewalk. The mama retreated and went home as soon as the dog was gone. Catching up with her on the sidewalk, after she crossed the street, I tried to explain to her that the golf course is not a safe dog park. At this point the woman started yelling at me, telling me how long she has lived in Sun City. Apparently she has not paid attention! I told her that we live on the course and know about the actions of the coyotes first hand.

I also tried, in vain, to explain that this particular mother coyote is extra protective and appeared to be aggressive toward dogs. She has never bothered humans who had no dog. The Fish and Game people were here last month in response to a complaint from another unauthorized “golf course dog walker.” They found they couldn’t even get close to any coyotes and said, “Case closed.”

This helpful warning only seemed to anger this woman further as she continued to berate and yell at me as she stomped away to her driveway. I told her that if she loved her dog, she won’t endanger it by walking it on the golf course. Golf courses are never safe as a walkway. Golf balls, as well as geese, can be hazardous. Please use sidewalks and dog parks to walk your dogs. If they need heat protective dog booties, get them. KSLX 100.7 radio gives them away every summer. Keep your pets safe.

Terrie Potter

Sun City