So sad.. womans dog mistaken for a coyote and set free.

[damarisgw]

Shiba inu's have that huge curly poofy tail !!
How could someone mistake that for a coyote ??

 

[Ferrret]

This story makes me kind of surprised that more animal control officers don't mistake huskies or husky mixes for wolves and 'free' them into the wild.

 

[Wolfwoman]

AngieChick, interesting! Yes and now there are fur farms that have tame breeders

AND a few that sell fox as pets because of this.

However, when you talk about the colors, you'd be amazed at how many people don't realize that fox have as many colors and patters as dogs... lol But it's STILL A RED FOX

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Its quite simple, there are SO many coydogs out there today in the wild that they are starting to look like... well... sled dogs actually. I've seen many a coyote pelt from reputable trappers that looked JUST like Fido next too. Amazing and beautiful pelts and they make gorgeous mounts, but they DO look like dogs!

Reminding everyone this poster is from Alaska...... And she is right! There are sooo many mixed breeds that resemble coyotes that it isn;t even funny. My own dog looks JUST like one.

Coyotes run with their tails down, unlike dogs and wolves who run with their tails held level or up.

 

[JetBlack]

Coyote:

Not a coyote:

 

[JetBlack]

Close enough for a high school volunteer to make a mistake, while the animal is in a pen.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I agree, its close enough that they could have made a mistake but they could have and SHOULD have corrected the mistake, thats where the problem is/comes in, and thats where I have the problem, they didnt correct their mistake, they should have realized it wasnt a coyote when it was being that friendly or maybe double-checked BEFORE they released it, they either have no heart and/or common sense, or dumb they are dumb as rocks, or both i suppose...

but thats where I have the problem...

 

[tnchickenut]

2 things:

1) If you own a dog that looks different than your average domesticated dog... you ESPECIALLY should chip it... or even tattoo the ear or a collar. Even a collar without a nametage would have kept this from happening.

2) THIS IS MY PET PEEVE WITH SHELTERS - If you work in a shelter, it is imparative that you study different breeds of dogs (and cats). Not just your average common breeds but your more rare and odd ones too. Do you know how many dogs get labeled "pits" because they look mean!??! I seen one on pet finder that was a purebred boxer once... labeled "pit mix".

Oh people, you all got me started on my soapbox. I know the average person (nor do I, but I don't work in a shelter) know all the breeds of dog... but if what you do is dogs all day... LEARN ALL ABOUT DOGS! It's simple.

Call me old fashioned, but you should know your occupation inside and out. Volunteer or not. Part time or not. ESPECIALLY when there are lives (even animal's) envolved.

 

[hikerchick]

The owner could have prevented this tragedy by investing in a collar for her dog. It's part of responsible pet ownership. I have no sympathy.

 

[tnchickenut]

Quote:
I agree about the collar.... and I have no sympathy for the owner, really. I do feel terrible for that dog, though.