My website was down on Monday, I’m so sorry. I don’t even know how long it was down for. I’m starting doing research on moving hosting sites, but I’m fighting my own inertia on this for many reasons. We’ll see what if I actually do it or stay with the same, very reasonably priced one I’m using now.
The other night, I let Maggie out for her final pottie break, and a heard a coyote howling so close by chills went down my spine. It’s hard to tell because of the way the hills surrounding us can bounce sound, but it sure sounded like he was right on the other side of the street behind our block wall. Maggie had gone to the side of the yard I couldn’t see clearly, so I call her in. I wasn’t sure if she’d gone or now. So I waited.
Now I don’t know of the coyotes can really jump over a block wall fence as I’ve heard, but I’m not risking Maggie’s life. A half hour later, it was quiet, so I let her out again in case she hadn’t done her business. But this time, I spontaneously picked up the piece of PVC pipe I happened to have handy and followed her, while holding this plastic pipe like a bat.
Seriously, what was I going to do? That plastic again a coyote’s teeth probably wouldn’t have ended with me being the hero I imagined, LOL. But I wasn’t letting my beloved dog out there unguarded. I may need to rethink my plan next time!
Maggie had walked outside, turned and saw me — the woman in pajamas wielding a white plastic pipe — and darted right back inside the house, She was like…Coyotes are a danger I understand, but mom suddenly going all Granny Baseball Ninja with a plastic pipe? I’m out! When I got back inside, she was burrowed under her blanket, eyes closed and pretending I don’t exist 
How’s your Wednesday going?
March 29th, 2023 at 11:12 am · Link
Wow. You may have looked funny to Maggie but you were being a good fur-mom. Maggie isn’t that big and I have seen what coyotes can do to a 12 point deer. It was awful. That deer had been around here for years and three of them took him right out. Best to look crazy and keep her safe.
So we have coyotes, possibly coywolves and all other types of critters around here. Your PVC pipe isn’t a bad idea. When I take out the trash can on Wednesday it’s not even 6 am and all I carry is a flashlight. Been lucky so far. Bobcats are back in the area so it’s probably a good idea to follow your lead and carry a bigger “stick.”
My Wednesday is moving along. Middle is taking him to see Harrison tomorrow and won’t be back until Sunday. It’s awful to say but I’m looking forward to him being gone. I need a break.
I hope you are having a nice day.
March 29th, 2023 at 12:48 pm · Link
I missed Monday completely. A very nasty bug has attacked us and I’m barely up and congnizant. I hope to be more functional by Friday. Until them, Granny Baseball Ninja, more power to you! LOLOL
March 29th, 2023 at 4:41 pm · Link
Viki, yeah, Maggie’s about 20lbs, so she’d have zero chance. And fast as she is, they are faster and hungrier. In that moment, I didn’t care how crazy I looked, but Maggie’s expression was priceless.
That would be scary to see coyotes tackle a deer. I bet that experience stays with you. I know they can bring down large animals, and here in CA, they’ve tried to snatch small children. In one case they parents were unloading groceries from the trunk of their car and their toddler playing with eyesight. The parents were able to chase the coyote off, but they are brazen when hungry.
Staying vigilant is smart for both of us.
I don’t think it’s awful to say — you do need a break. It’ll help and I hope you enjoy every moment!
March 29th, 2023 at 4:42 pm · Link
Oh no, Silver, I’m so sorry you and LG were so sick. Sounds like it’s taking a while to recover too. I really hope you both feel back to normal soon!
March 30th, 2023 at 6:32 am · Link
Eh, you could probably do some damage with a PVC pipe. At the very least, you’re letting the coyotes know that Maggie won’t be an easy meal, and they’re a pretty smart critter. I wonder if there are plants you can plant or oils you can spray to keep them away from your yard… Hmm…
Speaking of ‘yotes, they were serenading me last night in my insomnia. It’s such an eerie sound. Wednesday was a pretty good day except for the not sleeping thing. I’m hoping for an easy day at work today, but that’s not likely to happen, so bring on the coffee!
March 30th, 2023 at 12:26 pm · Link
B.E. I suspect just my being outside was dissuade at least a single coyote. But I wasn’t thinking as much as reacting (like most humans do, LOL!) If it becomes a real problem, I will look into that.
Ugh on the insomnia! A good nights sleep really is priceless. As a terrible insomniac I feel for you. I hope you have as low stress a day as possible!