Can We End This Argument Now Please?
Apparently, there's a lot of talk going around the internet about how it's illegal to own a coyote. I thoroughly checked into the legalities during my first week with Charlie, and in Wyoming, it is legal, and there is no permit required. It's quite easy to find this info (google Wyoming Game and Fish, or check out the link woozy left in the comments of "Puplet"). I know many of you have become concerned after hearing others say what I am doing is illegal and Charlie will be taken by the law and put down. Rest easy. I wish people would get their facts straight before making declarations, but, as they say out here, "you can't fix stupid."
89 comments:
Ignore ignorance ... I love your site and am so glad you are posting about Charlie, the cat, and all the photos.
Merry Christmas to you!
People will always use the internet as a forum for telling others what to do, whether they bother to back up their buttinsky moves with actual facts or not. Honestly, you'll drive yourself crazy if you actually listen to them. You did your research. You obviously care about both of your animals. Ignore the idiots.
And don't stop posting the pictures and updates. They are WONDERFUL.
the people who said you aren't aloud to have a coyote are STUPID! You need to get your facts straight people! Thank you for posting about Charlie,the cat, and you. I like it very much. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year.
Amen to that. Besides, I believe you said early on that you don't "own him" -- that you're just caring for him until he decides what he's going to do. I have a Coydog, and I'm well aware that we don't really "own" them. They own us!
Have you ever heard the song, "Coyote," by Joni Mitchell? It has, I think, nothing to do with animals, I think, and yet it does -- with the intersection of the wild and the planned.
Our ability to connect with other species is the only thing that will save ours. Which isn't why they matter (as if everything about them should really be all about us). They simply do. "It is illegal" probably hasn't bumped into the wild very often.
It may be legal, but that doesn't necessarily make it OK. Coyotes are not domesticated animals, and Charlie may have been given a better shot at life had he been handed over to animal care experts, who would have prepared him for a less human- and cat-like existence.
That said, the author insists that there was no option like that in Wyoming. I hope that was true, because she's stumbled upon a concept - girl blogging about her pet coyote - that people are eating up. Including me.
I don't think you own him so much as you're raising him. And yeah, I agree: when it comes to ownership, he probably owns you.
If you are determined to tell the author that what she is doing is wrong, ya might be better taking it elsewhere. NOONE wants to hear that when they're taking the time to share this wonderful thing with those who are actually interested.
The laws are different per state, and the sooner people realize that, the better things will get. I'm not holding my breath.
You gave Charlie a chance. Left to some 'animal wildlife' group, knowing that coyotes are considered 'pests' in many areas (and from what you've said, your area is one of them), he likely wouldn't have been raised. You've done a wonderful thing, and given another creature a better life than he would have likely had otherwise.
And before anyone starts with 'how do you know its better?'... he's still there, isn't he? He's stayed, so he likely is happy. Animals communicate well when people bother to listen.
Keep doing what you do, ignore the people that can't just appreciate this and have to preach... there's always going to be those people out there that know better than anyone.
*hugs*
Hi - I was just referred to your site and I LOVE IT! I am SO envious. You're doing exactly what needs to be done, something I've always longed to do. We need to bring humans back into reality - the canis latrans is a dog. A very smart, wonderful animal with which we have lived for hundreds of years. It is only now, as our society has grown so far away from nature, that we see fear, and ignorance over this creature. I will help you in any way I can so that your voice for the coyote human bond can be heard. So people can understand what an amazing animal they are. I will help you in any way to keep Charlie as healthy - mentally and physically, as possible. See wildrescue.org. Bravo!!!!! Rebecca
nope, sure can't fix stupid.
keep up the great job raising that gorgeous boy.
merry christmas!
Shreve,
Why don't you do as dooce.com does. She deletes the nay sayers and the idots. It's YOUR blog and you can do with it what you want. So "F" em and don't give them the space to bitch.
I love your life!!
Nope, you sure can't fix stupid. Shreve, you are doing us all an amazing service by sharing this time in your life with the world. Your site is my absolute favorite & always makes me smile. Wishing you much love & fur this holiday season
I love your site, it's bookmarked right next to cuteoverload (where I first heard about Charlie) and it amazes me how every other post you make gets a comment along the lines of legality. 1) Why don't people do their research before shooting their mouth off and 2) Why don't they notice the same comment has been made again and again? Some of these comments are rude, but I just wanted you to know that the rest of us think this is downright amazing.
To all the people who use "Coyote's are not domesticated animals" as their reason for posting a comment..
-NO- animal was ever 'domesticated' from the start, they had to be 'made' that way by being around people.
And to those who are on the "Since you've cared for Charlie and have become his source of food, he will never survive in the wild if he left" Charlie is a Coyote. period. He was born wild and has his instincts, which I think has been clearly shown in some of the pics.
While Charlie might be 'helplessly cute', I can't see him being 'helpless'.
I don't know what you're talking about when you say "Charlie may have had a better shot at life" with someone else. From what I see he has it pretty good. He's loved, fed, and protected. How much better do you think he could have it?
People who are too busy being judgemental and irate have their minds too firmly closed to do such things as read what others have to say. They've already made up their mind, so why would they need to read the comments that already say, and deal with, what they're about to spout off?
In the law of averages, for every person with a big, caring heart like Shreve, there has to be a close minded butthead. Unfortunately.
"you can't fix stupid."
ROFLMBO!!!!!!
Right on Shreve!
I wonder if its illegal to feed the possums that come into my yard.....
Not that it would stop me ;D
ignore the haters.
you made a decision to care for a creature who needed immediate assistance to survive. who is to say how events would have unfolded if that action was not taken. there are hundreds of variables in any action taken that could have produced any number of outcomes.
there are indeed hundreds of variables that will effect Charlie's future.
the important thing is that Shreve has done something GOOD. in Charlie's world, in our world & in my world.
keep up the GOOD work!
What a wonderful thing you are doing,
and your photos are so beautiful.
I enjoy reading every day.
Thanks for sharing
From what Shreve has said, I'm thinking that options for raising a coyote pup locally just aren't that many.
Fortunately, the current situation gives the rest of us a chance to see such a mysterious, gorgeous and (by many) loathed animal up close and learn a thing or three. And to see love and altruism between, and in spite of, species.
I agree, ignore the haters and twits who feel the perverse need to tell you what you're doing is wrong. I'd delete their comments too.
I love your blog and I love the opportunity to get to see what you're doing for Charlie. I used to have a cabin in the woods in WA state, and I got to hear the coyotes sing at night down by the river. It was wonderful. I feel it's a great gift you're giving that I get to see one of these creatures "close up". Thank you.
i know a lot of people feel strongly about keeping wild animals as "pets" but considering coyotes are pretty much shot on site out in your parts i say keep on keepin on. there's a far worse fate this pup could have faced than being cared for and protected every day.
coyotes are one of my favorite canids and it saddens me that they are treated like common vermin in most parts of the country. i was overjoyed to find your blog and see that there are other people out there that give these wonderful, intelligent creatures the respect they deserve.
and of course, i die of teh cute with every picture post you make! your photographs are gorgeous and i look forward to them every day.
I grew up in the country side of NE Texas and have wonderful memories of the coyotes howling at night. So beautiful. A message of support to you, Coyote, and Cat!
The comments on here that claim that you raising Charlie is "wrong" remind me of the animal act5ivist groups that actually thought that Knut (the polar bear in Berlin who was abandoned by its mother soon after birth) should have been left to die b/c "that's what nature intended."
I do not understand that logic.
Charlie seems very happy, and he also seems to bring you (and your cat!) much joy. I'd say all those things are pretty worthwhile. Keep on keepin' on, your story is wonderful and the pictures absolutely gorgeous.
Have been following your amazing story, sharing with friends and my hundreds of students. I hope that you don't feel as badly as I do about the few negative opinions. I understand that people don't agree (period), but that a person would take time to send a negative comment is beyond me (just don't click there!). It's the risk you take when you open your heart to the world. Keep your heart open. It's worth it. We love that you are sharing. Thank you.
I'm just north of you, here in Billings. I exactly know how people in this part of the country feel about things and many say things out of pure ignorance. I definitely agree with the phrase, 'you can't fix stupid'.
I also know that very few, if anyone will take on a coyote to teach it to live in the wild (around here). Most folks around here just consider them pests and treat them as such. I'm glad you have taken Charlie and cared for him. The story may change lives and hearts. Have a wonderful holiday with your family there :)
I don't think you should delete the naysayer's comments. Instead, put a link to the appropriate Game & Fish site at the top of your blog, directing all legal questions to that site.
Thereafter, other visitors to your site will police the naysayers, and you can kick back and giggle.
"You can't fix stupid." BWWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Seriously, though - seems to me that about 95% of the population takes one little iota and turns it into a treatise. And I dare say a fair lot of them wouldn't be capable of figuring out what else to do.
Do your research, people, BEFORE yelling fire in a crowded theater. Good christo - has nobody noticed that your writing style clearly indicates you are an intelligent, compassionate, realistic person who would do the research before taking on such a huge committment? They probably can't recognize it, which is super sad, because it says a lot about the state of the planet.
I'm so very grateful for you, Charlie, the cat (whose name right now escapes me), and all of the pictures and stories. It is truly heartwarming and almost makes up for the idiots who play the telephone game on a daily basis.
I'm glad to see that most people are supportive of Shreve and Charlie. As for the naysayers, a little discernment is needed to recognize that raising one, single, coyote is not going to wreck the laws of nature or the eco-system. It does not mean that anyone who feels like acquiring a coyote pup by any available means should be encouraged to do so. What Shreve is doing is unique, and should remain unique. I think Charlie was "sent" to her because she is just the right person for the job. That is why we love this blog so. :^)
Love this blog and all your photos. Thanks so much for sharing. And I really love that comment "you can't fix stupid". I may be borrowing that one from time to time. Happy Holidays!
Bravo Girl! You are doing grrrreat. I'm thoroughly enjoying the tales and photos of Charlie & Eli. How special that you have been given this wonderful gift and that you share your dailey delights with all of us! My favorite expression here on the "left coast"...It's a shame stupidity isn't painful! Love your blog.
Merry Christmas to you Charlie & Eli!
as they say here-"illegitimi non carborundum "(Don't let the bastasrds grind you down) Stupud is stupid.Keep up your wonderful workwith charlie and eli and keep those pix coming-you are doing the right thing!
As an ecologist, I don't think it's 'stupid' to be concerned about taking a top predator out of his natural environment and domesticating him. Accusing you of illegality without prior research, okay, that's dumb. But questioning the larger-scale implications of your adoption seems sensible.
Much as I am addicted to your site, I do think it's important do discuss the ramifications of humans' interactions with both domestic and wild animals in this country where we have left nothing untouched, no habitat or species with the same dynamics it had before the Europeans arrived.
I hope you will consider leaving space for, and/or provoking this sort of dialogue.
Lastly, you are an extremely talented photographer and writer. I greatly envy you your lifestyle. Thanks for posting the lovely pics, and giving people something to think and bicker about, and enjoy.
Enough of the Shreve-bashing.
She saved Charlie and gave him a chance at life. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, "Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it."
And a reminder to those of us visiting this wonderful site . . . we are five months behind real time. Only Shreve knows where Charlie is today.
What an absolutly wonderful site! Of all the days I needed a "hug"...I got it right here, gazing at the pictures of Charlie and the cat. Thanks so very much..Christmas Blessings to all of you.
This is not a simple question to resolve, but I appreciate Shreve's efforts to do right by Charlie. He has food, shelter, and a "pack" (Shreve and Eli), which are admittedly different from what he would experience in the wild. Has he been taken from his "natural destiny"? Probably. In his case, though, his destiny would have been to starve or be killed by another predator.
I live in Oklahoma, where many people share the attitude that coyotes are disgusting scavengers and dangerous predators. I have seen them crucified on barbed wire fences, presumably to discourage other coyotes. Thanks, Shreve, for offering a life to Charlie, and sharing that life with all of us.
I'd be willing to guarantee that the trolls are the result of the dooce post....that site attracts the most stoooid of stoopits. But, she has managed to roll with it. I hope you can too....I think once a site attract a certain size audience, the commenters begin to police themselves (a la Woozy). Hopefully the trolls will get the hint (do they ever?) and GO AWAY. I'm all for some existential dialog on man vs. nature, but seriously..... the stupid posts need to stop.
Shreve, So loved your post! thank you!! I was getting concerned about Charlie being taken and all sorts of stuff going thru my head after hearing all those comments... I will most certainly be using that phrase..." can't fix Stupid " love it!!! happy holidays to you and Charlie and MC...may the New Year bring you happiness, health, peace!
Marlene from Cambria
but will he eat the cat?
[there's a wise-ass on every thread. I felt it was my turn for the job]
humans are a funny species; our compassion is reflexive, overwhelming and unavoidable. if you put a fuzzy puppy in the arms of a hominid, you'd better be prepared for that homonid to love him up good. sorry, your honor, evolution made me do it.
i'd frankly be a little worried about anyone in your situation who wouldn't choose to adopt charlie.
I'm so stealing "you can't fix stupid"... that's awesome!
Sorry you've been getting flak. I think you're rad : )
Hugs to you!
You're doing more than raising Charlie. You're raising the awareness of the majority of people out there who know nothing about coyotes--helping them learn so that they can marvel and respect these wonderful animals.
Reading about your adventures with Charlie is about as close as most of us will ever come to this often misunderstood animal.
Marvelous photos. You are a talented photographer and artist among other things. Thank you.
First of all, I absolutely adore this site. I think you're doing a wonderful service not only to the coyote, but to the world at large by documenting this journey so well.
And in case, anyone's curious, I've found the passage of Wyoming Fish and Game regulations that allow Shreve to possess the coyote:
Here
It's a long passage, just use the "find" tool on your browser and look for coyote... you'll find it.
Deleted the original post because the link didn't work
I enjoyed reading about youre pet coyote and also enjoyed the pic's. Nothing wrong with haveing a coyote for a pet, i hope you know that you will never be able to release this coyote into the wild.
By the way i'm a coyote hunter and i don't believe in killing them all off, but the population needs to be kept in check..Anyway keep the pic's comeing..T.A.
What does one "hunt" coyotes for? Just for "sport"?
I think what you are doing is very admirable. Those that are the first to put you down and insult the wonderful thing that you are doing have probably never done anything for anyone in their lives. Just as I get insulted and laughed at for being vegetarian and for giving to animal charities. I guess it makes people feel better to do that to hide their own shame. If I get a lecture on giving to animal charities as opposed to human charities I always ask them who they give charity to and it shuts them up so fast because they have no answer because they don't give any charity to anyone. So keep doing what you're doing. Why do people feel they have to judge and put down instead of praising and encouraging? What a sad life one must lead if all they can do is look for reasons to bring someone down. Charlie is beautiful and I log on to see what he's up to so at least I know I will be getting one smile per day for sure. If he had been left to die there would be alot of people out there that would be getting one less smile a day.
"In studying the traits and dispositions of the so-called lower animals, and contrasting them with man's, I find the result humiliating to me."
--Mark Twain (author)
http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Saints/Authors/Quotes/quotes3.htm
Cathy in Washington
http://www.animalliberationfront.
com/Saints/Authors/Quotes/
quotes3.htm
Do the stupid people give a second thought to how their own pet dogs and cats evolved? "Since you've cared for Charlie and have become his source of food, he will never survive in the wild if he left"
Pile of crap. I have *very* domesticated cats and dogs that know I'm the food lady, yet are still perfectly capable of hunting their own food. How many humans could be removed from their comfy domestic existences and hunt & gather in order to survive? How's that for evolution?
People should be using their enery trying to be more like you,than trying to find fault. Charlie is lucky, so is Eli and so are we. Thank you for sharing your wonderful life. Best wishes in the New Year.
Isabel
If Charlie and you hadn't found each other he'd have suffered a terrible and lonely death. Some might say this is the way of nature and let nature take its course, but as we know nature isn't one dimensional and there are many stories of inexplicable and unusual pairings and motherings in the natural world. Hippos who've rescued other herbivores, elephants who've adopted buffalo, a lion who adopted an oryx and many humans intervening to improve the lives of wild critters.
You've got the heart and soul Charlie needs.
I admire you and your beloved Charles, and his best pal, Cat, too.
Merry x-mas.
I didn't read all 53 comments, so someone else may have covered this, but if not, here goes:
Just because Charlie is being raised by a human doesn't mean he couldn't survive in the wild. Ever heard of 'feral' dogs and cats... 'domesticated' animals that 'turned' wild and can survive on their own... if Charlie really hated his existence, he's run away and live in the wild. Why can't we accept that perhaps he enjoys where he is, at least for the time being. Why should we only show 'compassion' (i.e. provide food and shelter) to animals that we have some reason to exploit (cattle, dogs, sheep, etc)?
Keep up the good work. You saved Charlie's life, and the good karma in that is just more than some people can comprehend. :) Happy holidays.
The love your blog. I came here from cuteoverload.com. I also adore thedailypuppy.com. People will post these gorgeous pictures of their new pups, and will get scolded for buying a dog instead of saving one from a shelter. Whereas you get scolded for saving a helpless coyote. *sigh* There will always be someone with something negative to say. Just roll with it. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your life with us.
Amanda
Memphis, TN
I think you taking charlie on is the exact oposite of inhuman, it is the most human thing you could have done. it shows you have empathy and compassion, something all humans could use a lot more of. it is also very human in the fact that this is what we as a species have been doing since the dawn of civilization. in fact, civilization is hinged on the fact that we started domesticating and raising animals. i think if you were going out, stealing pups from dens, kenneling them alone and outdoors, not feeding them a proper and natural diet, and turning them into your own coyote circus for profit, THEN people could tell you what you are doing as wrong.
although Charlie does seem to be a bit of a clown, so maybe..... ;-)
habitual said...
What does one "hunt" coyotes for? Just for "sport"?
Yes some hunters hunt them for sport and others hunt them for there fur and some are hired by the state to hunt them for the ranchers that have live stock that is being preyed apon by coyotes.
What some people fail to realize is that a wild coyote is a killer. They kill for food and they also kill for the sake of killing, its what they do and nothing can change that. I hunt coyotes for there fur and to keep the population under control. When the coyote population numbers get to high it can lead to serious problems. Food sources will dry up and the coyote will have to look for another source of food such as live stock or famaly pets. Yes you read that right, famaly pets. Its a fact a coyote will kill and eat small dogs and cats given the chance.
Like i said i hunt coyotes for fur and i also like to listen to them howl at nite and i like to take pic's of them when i get the chance. Does this make me a badd person? No i don't think it does!
Anyway best wishes for charlie and hope all works out for you and him..T.A.
This site is a breath of fresh air, and regarding the adverse comments, as we say in the UK "you can't educate pork".Have a happy xmas and keep up the good work.You are one lucky Lady.
I so enjoy reading here and seeing photos of Charlie. I live in Helena MT and I don't think the attitudes are different in Montana from Wyoming. We walk some BLM land where people have shot and left animals, including a beautiful wolf or coyote (we argue about which it was) that was gut-shot. This magnificent creature was shot for no good reason and left to rot. I didn't know until then that there is no season on coyotes, that tthey can be shot at any time with no limits. It made me very sad. And in talking to the wildlife rehab center here, noone is very interested in coyotes.
Some people just can't leave well enough alone..Even if keeping Charlie were illegal, I'd be one to say do it anyway!
Regarding whether its legal or not, that is just stupid. You have a wonderful attitude regarding the care and well being of an animal that otherwise would be dead.
People need to remember this is a free country... before it's too late.
The opportunity to bond with the wild, is like a gift from God, and we are blessed that you are able - and willing - to communicate it with us through this journal.
Thank you.
Love your site, love your deeds, love your photos, love your heart, love your humor, love your spirit. You are amazing.
- love from Seattle
This is sort of unrelated, but the subject and comment stream made me think of it. I was on the train today and was talking with a man who had a beautiful malamute. After a while he said "He's actually half wolf too, but I don't tell people that at first" because of the negative reaction he will get.
It's interesting--the same people who argue that Charlie is in his essence a wild creature who can never be domesticated, also turn around in the same breath and point a finger at you for domesticating him, saying you've made it impossible for him to fend for himself in the wild.
But logical flaws aside, you did a compassionate and loving thing, and even if it were illegal, I can't imagine ever leaving a little pup to die. It's just not ethical. I'd conscientiously object to that law.
You're a unique case, and legal or illegal, ethical or inethical, what's happening on your land with Charlie & the cat doesn't mean we're going to be suddenly saddled with an entire species of domesticated coyote or, conversely, that suddenly the ranches of America will be overrun by fearless coyotes.
I really hope your neighbors have a chance to meet Charlie in a neutral environment, and to see your lovely pictures of him. I hope the schoolchildren in that area will get to meet Charlie. I hope you can change the minds of all the people who live there, so they can be more tolerant towards coyotes, and rather than poisoning or shooting them, they can find humane ways to manage any hunting coyotes do among livestock.
First of all, I love your pictures! They make my day.
I am a veterinarian and I own a coydog, too. I have no ecological concern regarding you raising one coyote, as long as 3000 envious idiots who saw your site start capturing and owning coyotes themselves. (Thank God, most people do not have luxury of environment you live in...) The only concern I have is Rabies that Charlie can contract from other animals. However, there are Rabies vaccines designed for coyotes (might be oral medication rather than injections), which you might be able to get from government officials. You should check it out if you have not done so yet. You are probably aware of this information already, but just in case… =)
Hello.
Love your work and envy your life, as do so many others. Remember that when you're having a bad day.
Was led to your blogs thru Meg's (at the publisher) dad, and I am grateful that I know about your work now.
As far as stupidity goes, isn't that what this medium is for? Hell, you should try living in Florduh!
Merry Christmas.
The way how you engage with nature is more important then laws made up in concrete buildings. You are wonderful in what you do. Namaste!
I see a coyote every now and then on my way to work and I worry about it because they are building houses in it's territory. I live in a heavily populated area and I am concerned about the coyote and deer. Best of luck to you and have that animal nuetered. Love this site
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man. - Mark Twain
But seriously, coyotes have instincts that won't be washed away by socialization; Charlie will be able to hunt if he goes wild. There are more important things to worry about in the world than the legality and morality of raising Charlie.
To go off on a tangent: I'd like to know more about coydogs from the vet who says she has one. I think my Austrailian Shepherd cross is part coyote from the way she very intensely hunts, her intelligence, and how she reacts to hearing coyotes sing. Several people have told me she is part coyote, remembering their own coydogs. How do coyotes and coydogs act differently than "regular" dogs?
Wonderful job. I loved your comment about the future of this beautiful animal is ultimately up to the animal itself. Bravo. I supposed you've had a jillion suggestions to name it Wile E. Coyote.
Keep up the good work.
Aside for the stupidity of the entire 'legal' argument - the metaphical concept of 'ownership' should also be addressed here:
At no time in your blog, or in your photos for that matter, have you ever, EVER, attempted to OWN charlie. This is not that sort of relationship.
You accepted the awesome responsiblity of giving a helpless puplet a chance, when his natural parents could not.
You, Eli and Charlie have all chosen to grow your relationship together over time. None of you is dictating the requirements of this experience.
Instead you are focused on what means most in a relationship: the now of togetherness. And we are all so fortunate to be at the window - sharing a bit of that feeling.
Peace, Joy and Harmony to all of you - and to us this season.
Maria
Wishing you, Charlie and the cat, happy holidays. Thank you for sharing his - and your - journey with all of us.
I'm confused as to why my comment was deleted.
I enjoy this blog and support the writer as much as the next, I was just providing advice for someone who is doing something wrong- "catsquatch" is feeding wild animals. I work at a nature center and I do all I can to encourage people to learn about what they are doing and why it is wrong. They think they are helping wildlife when really they are causing suffering in the long run.
Again, please, anyone who feeds wildlife, please do the research and find out why it's not good for them.
I do not understand why I would be censored on this.
Stephanie, I deleted your comment because the tone with which it was written seemed more like condemnation towards another person rather than providing helpful info aimed at everyone. I do not have time to monitor all the comments, but I do not want this website to turn into an argumentative forum.
Anyone is welcome to voice their opinion, but please, try being helpful, not vicious. Your comment seemed like it was trying to start another argument, and, as you can see from the title of this post, I'm just not into that.
Shreve-
Gotcha. I didn't intend to sound "vicious", but I will remember for future commenting! Certainly I am not interested in starting arguments either.
I get too worked up when people do things that harm critters- intentional or not.
Anyone who thinks she/he has a coydog... If you really want to know for sure, go with DNA test. Behavior e.g. hunting instinct, intelligence, reaction to haul / siren are not indications that your dog is a coydog... it is an indication that you have a canine, most likely a dog. There are however definite behavioral differences in coydogs; if you own one, you just know you have some strange wild animal sleeping in your bed without a doubt. And for anyone who dreams to own a coydog, objectively speaking, I really cannot recommend it. I think they are absolutely beautiful and I love mine to death, but they are very very different from dogs and much harder than wolf hybrids to train / control in order to take the full responsibility of your ownership. (Just to be sure... I am not talking about Charlie being raised and nursed with love, but owning a coyote hybrid as a pet.)
What happens when Charlie wants to procreate? It's a natural thing, and the cat probably won't be interested. Have you considered getting him a mate?
You have a golden heart for taking risk and raising the poor thing. Charlie may be a wild dog, but i'm sure animals also have feeling and they will sense if you love them or hate them. I'm sure Charlie knows how much he's been loved and certainly by the way he acts, he shows how he loves you and Eli back. God bless you, Charlie and Eli for having each other. That's the most important thing. The most beautiful thing.
Having had a friend who cared for and raised an abandoned timber wolf pup, I know that he has gotten the best option possible. Isis (the wolf) never returned to the wild. She has however, spent the last 8 years of her last helping to educate kids in her locale community and has gone on several "wildlife runs for charity."
Was it the best option for her? Who knows. But through her life and the life of her partner (my friend), they have educated hundreds of local kids about her species and have helped save and protect hundreds more of her own species.
If you and Charlie's partnership does nothing more than show those of us who read about your lives the beauty of a life that some consider pestful and annoying, then you have made a massive change in the world.
I grew up in a desert area and was taught that coyotes are pests and evil. Thank you for showing me different.
Also, please say hello to Charlie from Australia. :) We love him here and our little baby niece loves seeing your photos. :)
the salt lake tribune ran a piece about coyote and you which made my day...hell no, it made my year. generosity is a basic human condition and you are helping to remind us of that in this disfigured world where, yes, stupidity rains(reins;reigns) from the top down.blessings for you and your soul grown family.
You're correct, you cannot fix stupid... especially terminal stupid. Good on 'ya ... this will probably be the most memorable part of your life. Have a wonderful 2008
coyote-love, Did you get a DNA test on your coydog? The commercial dog DNA labs don't test for markers of the coyote genome, though I have found references to private and state wildlife agency labs who did the lab work for various papers regarding coyote/dog hybridization studies. Here in Montana, my vet (and several coydog owners who have stopped me on the street) are fairly convinced I've got a coydog. Right now, she's chasing and yipping at something in her dreams.
As a wildlife biologist, reading through these posts it's evident that animal lovers are enjoying and appreciating what you're doing. It's seems those who hold an opposing opinion of the situation, are deemed negative and stupid. Please know that those who may not agree, are wildlife lovers and their concerns may come from a different frame of reference. Understandably, no true animal lover really wants to hear what might be the negative points of this situation, so I'll stop short. Either way, hope there's room for opinion if expressed respectfully.
I check back every day since I found your site..just love it. Have a wonderful new year!
I praise you for sharing your world and journey with Charlie, although he picked you and you have fallen into being the love well he draws his security from. How wonderful he is and what love you all are together.
I'm so glad to have found your site. Charlie is magnificent.
Whenever something outside of the box is working, is making this world a better place, is fueling others to feel joy and happiness...there are those who have no idea that all they say in judgement, is the echo of what they need to hear and feel about self. (Judgement of others tends to teach me about my own jealousy of anothers success, bitchiness that another has a shared happiness within their days , or just plain well shows me a lack of self love or interest creative wise.
You live a wonderful full life, I'm so pleased for you!
Good for you! I think what you are doing is amazing.
"you can't fix stupid" Funny one. XD
I am from DC (where i once got a ticket for jay-walking) and I don't spend much time in coyote country. But Charlie is cute and I say "f*ck 'em" to any one who says he is illegal.
Post a Comment