What would have carried off my little dog?

[key west chick]

I agree that if a coyote grabbed her, especially an adult, they would have more than likely crushed her. Im thinking more along the lines of a large owl. A possum wouldnt have been able to run that fast with a 3 pound dog in its mouth.

 

[NellaBean]

I'm guessing coyote. It was probably carrying off to kill elsewhere, hence why she did not get killed there. They are not big animals and so would be more likely to snatch prey and take off with it to a safer place where they could then kill/eat it.

I have a toy poodle....and 2 80lb shepherd mixes and 1 60lb chow mix. Toy poodle is not allowed outside unattended at nght. They go into a fenced potty area but a coyote could jump the fence easily to grab her unattended. She takes a shepherd mix out with her for protection if I am not standing next to her.

Owl is possible but not likely. Would leave a totally different wound pattern.

I would say coyote. Possums are a big No.

 

[halo]

Id guess coyote, too. I had one dig into one of pens one night and take 3 or 4 hens. Found one of the hens the next day at the end of my property trying to get back with nary a scratch on her. Coyotes wont necessarily kill on contact, they grab and run, especially if its only one.

Poor little thing, so glad he's back home with you.

 

[SilkieBantams]

I vote coyote since they are capable of killing cats and dogs.

 

[Lbrad7]

Quote:
X2...It wouldn't have survived a coyote attack. They pick their prey and shake them violently. Between the initial bite and then the shaking, I doubt a dog that small would have survived.

 

[Imp]

Just guessing here, but could it have been fox, big cat, or fisher?

Imp- So glad you got your dog back.

 

[SteveBaz]

our pets are like our kids and I would be so upset. I am glad your little doggie was not injured more than it was. Now you have to literally walk her out at night.

 

[carolinagirl58]

I am thinking owl. It may have hit her and not actually grabbed her which is why she does not have deep talon wounds.

 

[rjking777]

It could also have been a fox. Where I live, we have fox, coyotes, wolves, fisher, badgers, raccoons, etc. and really have to watch our pets. I lost a pommeranian to an eagle 9 years ago and have had an owl swoop down on my two Yorkies at night. I am always with my dogs when we let them out at night now because one of the Yorkies has chased skunks into the woods on a few occasions. I finally learned my lesson after he was sprayed the second time.

I wouldn't leave them alone anymore because whatever it was now has the taste of your baby and may want more.

 

[theoldchick]

Since your pet was bitten multiple times and walked away from the attack I suspect a raccoon might have attacked. As a former raccoon hunter I know how crafty and scrappy those varmints are with Treeing Walker Hounds. Give thanks to the other dog who most likely made the raccoon abandon his meal.

My number one concern would be to make sure your pets are current on rabies vaccs. I hope she stays on the road to recovery!