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The Wild, Wild West of Powell, Ohio

coyote When I hear the word 'coyote' I recall the 18 months that I lived in Tucson. Every evening when I and my two Dobies would relax on the patio, we could hear the coyotes start their howling as they were gathering for their nightly hunt. I had been told that the Dobes would probably be OK as they were larger than the coyotes.

However, now that I'm back in central Ohio, I don't expect to have to worry about this scruffy dog-like critter. But apparently, these critters have moved into the area, finding a ready supply of food with enough trees and vacant land to hide in during the day.

Within the first year that The Murph came to live with me, I read in a local paper that three doxies were let outside for their last break before bedtime. The owner heard an awful noise only to find that coyotes had killed one of the little dogs, and injured a second by the time she rescued them.

I checked to see where she lived and since she was in an area with acre lots that backed to woods, I thought that probably my neighborhood would be OK, although wooded areas are close by.

However, in last week's news, the coyotes struck once again but this time it was in a "regular" subdivision ... manicured lawns, numerous homes, and the dog was larger (30 lbs). The dog was bitten but not killed. Authorities also found the carcass of a deer in a nearby tree line. The City is advising residents to keep their pets inside and to monitor them in the evening until they can decide what to do about the problem. Powell has laws prohibiting the trapping of animals and of course, guns can't be discharged. Murphy, the long-haired dachshund

The Murph runs like a rabbit ... is about the size of a rabbit ... I just don't want him to taste like one.

Posted by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio on 06/23/2007 11:16 PM

Comments (11)

central ohio, delaware county, powell ohio, olentangy living

11 Comments on The Wild, Wild West of Powell, Ohio

Grrr....bark....bite....(that's my psychotic spaniel on steroids..no kidding) and you want me to sick her on those bad boys? Please watch the muchkin and keep the cutie near you all the time! Aww....I want to hug an kiss. (that's when my pooch looks at me like...aww...mom would you just cut it out already?!)

06/23/2007 11:21 PM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Sally, you're very funny! "Munchkin Murph" is a good name for him. I had a grandpuppy spaniel that had to go on steroids after knee replacement surgery. Spaniels have the most wonderful, soulful eyes ... but then you already know that!

06/23/2007 11:29 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

I am having a heartbreaking moment. My doggie is no longer the same on steroids. She has very low blood platelets and can't even go to the groomer. She is getting meaner and she has no soulful looks right now. (a couple of weeks ago we got to wean her off a bit and she started acting normal only for the blood tests to show she went down again and had to up the dose again) She still loves us....she still tries to show it....just really starving and thirsty and that's when she gets mean. I miss her.

Anyway, the knee replacement may be what I'm going to have to do. Poor doggies. When they hurt or act different it sure affects us, huh?

06/23/2007 11:47 PM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), e-PRO HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Oh, Sally, I feel so sorry for you. It hurts so darn bad to have them sick or in failing health. When I lost each of my 3 Dobies, a part of my heart was ripped out. But we have to remember that our lives were enriched for the time they were a part of it.

06/24/2007 12:06 AM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

I had clients in Powell have their dogs attacked by coyotes or wild dogs. The female Yorkie who was in heat came in unhurt but the male got all bit up. He ended up at the emergency hospital. They sent me photos. Poor pup. This was a few years ago.

06/24/2007 07:28 AM

by Maureen McCabe - Central Ohio real estate (Real Living HER)

Maureen: Poor little guy. Wonder, given her condition, if it was a male/female thing. The news says they're in all 88 counties, but we're just not used to this type of wild animal here.

06/24/2007 07:47 AM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

sorry about the sick puppies aww! It's heartbreaking yes. As for the coyotes, we keep developing their land; where are they supposed to go? I feel for the dogs but really, the coyotes need habitat that is disappearing! JMHO

07/03/2007 09:41 PM

by Carole Cohen Realtor®, ePRO (Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)

and that photo of Murphy is adorable!

07/03/2007 09:42 PM

by Carole Cohen Realtor®, ePRO (Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)

Carole: Yes, it's the development into their territory that is reducing their hunting ground. Plus, coyotes are very adept at dealing with civilization. Deer have the same problem.

The Murph is plastered against me - doesn't like fireworks and neighbors are shooting them off.

07/03/2007 09:55 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

For Naki we used to have to have the tv and stereo blasting and that only worked when she got older. It's like a war zone here at the moment. I wish people would watch the fireworks communities have spent so much money to present to everyone instead of doing their own at home. Oh well. No one asked us to be in charge I guess!

07/03/2007 10:00 PM

by Carole Cohen Realtor®, ePRO (Howard Hanna Cleveland City Office)

Carole: they're still going off here as well and it's just before midnight. I'm sure people have children who are trying to sleep at this point.

07/03/2007 10:46 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)