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Wildlife
Stories
The Coyote That Wasn't `
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A horseback rider
called our Center requesting rescue for a coyote spotted
under a bush in the Tanque Verde wash. We began our routine
of gathering a crate, noose, medical kit and tranquillizing
gun. Within thirty minutes we were in the wash. As we
approached close enough we realized this was no ordinary
rescue; our coyote was in fact a young red lab mix dog.
We approached the dog,
noting his open wound across his full length of his right foreleg,
and a dehydration or heatstroke that made him lethargic. Attempting
to touch him brought fear and growls from him. With his positioning
under the tree, tranquilizing was almost impossible. Our only
choice was to noose him and lead him into the crate.
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Despite his condition, he
let us noose him standing four feet away. Once the noose was
on he gained a little energy. As if he were headed for a walk
he rose up on four legs and was easily directed into the crate.
The wounds we could see were life threatening. From paw to shoulder
there was neither fur nor skin remaining, only exposed bone.
It was straight to the veterinarian for further diagnosis.
Dr. Jack Quick, from Pantano
Animal Clinic immediately took a liking to “Lucky”.
X-rays showed no fractures in the right foreleg but there were
fractures in the left. How was it this pup managed to hobble
into the crate? Splinting of the left, and bandaging of the
right foreleg were completed and back to the wildlife center
he went.
Throughout the week every volunteer at the center gave a little
extra time to reassure Lucky he would be safe. Twice daily dressing
changes were more complex and technical than imagined. It was
then, on day 6 that I became the foster parent for Lucky, committing
to dressing changes and socialization. As a nurse at University
Medical Center the story of my in-home patient brought many
questions and touched many hearts.
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Copyright ©
2000 Tucson Wildlife Center
Wild Animal
Rescue • Rehabilitation • Release
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