| Going for a ride! |
To the best of my knowledge, Charlie the dog was born first, somewhere south of Tucson. He was adopted out of the back of a rancher’s truck before he was eight weeks old.
The timing of his adoption, though likely wonderful for the puppy, proved challenging for his new human parents. The very next day was the first day of school and they were both educators. So, the puppy went to school.
Charlie the coyote was born approximately 18 months later near a tiny, really tiny town in northern Wyoming. A young woman took him in shortly after his coyote parents were shot for killing sheep. That woman had many talents—writing, photography, and bravery. She raised that 10-day old coyote pup and documented his life.
That documentation became a published book, The Daily Coyote, that I stumbled upon as I searched for a birthday present for my husband one year. I wanted to find a novel about a dog—we are wildlife and dog lovers—but I did not want that dog to die at the end of the story (think Old Yeller and, well, most stories about dogs). Reading the back of the book and learning that it was a true story about a coyote named Charlie (that looked like our dog Charlie and that didn’t die at the end of the story-hurray!) I made the purchase and read it that night before giving it away as a gift. (Is that cheating?)
| Charlie, the coyote! |
| Charlie looking for a mouse in a snow tunnel. |
As of this writing, both Charlies are still looking good and supplying their owners with unique and wonderful experiences. Charlie, the coyote, has an entire book written about him and beautiful photographs taken of him almost daily. Charlie, my dog, has to settle for having his photo on the back cover of my novels and on the front of my blog. He’s good with that.
To be continued . . .
Do you have a favorite book about a dog?
Do you have any unique experiences with dogs or coyotes?
Your comments are welcome.
Thanks for stopping by,
Cricket
I remember the day we adopted him like it was just yesterday. Oh yeah, how bout his coyote girl friend?
Still searching for the photo of him when he was only 8 weeks old. Such a funny fluff-ball he was. I'd forgotten about his little desert coyote girlfriend when he was about two years old. Where is the mini-cam when you need it.
Awww I miss Charlie, such an amazing and loving dog!! I miss all of you, I'm still trying to find a way up to CO to see you 3!
Thanks for finding my blog. It just started in January and I've promised all my followers to post short and sweet ideas and information. Hope you like it. Feel free to add your email (near the bottom of the narrow, right hand column) to receive notices of new blog posts. Colorado, here YOU come.
Charlie the puppy is so adorable! And Charlie the coyote is gorgeous!
Thanks for noticing, Amylynn. I completely agree. There will be more info about both animals in the future. They are very special creatures.
I love these stories of charlies. Old Yeller was my favorite story. One of my unique stories comes from my memories of growing up on a ranch in Sasabe Az. I have a few incredible stories of our dog Wedito(whed e to) my fathers white german shepard. He never left my fathers side and was trained from a pup to work along side my father and his horse everyday on our ranch. I often watched Wedito cut cattle for my dad in our corral as dad sorted sick cattle and unbranded ones. One afternoon, when I was about 9, my father was working with the cattle in the corral. He must have had 30 or 40 steers moving around in this corraled area. Wedito was right along side my dads horse and would move in and out from my dad's side nipping and barking at the steers as he isolated a steer for my dad to move into a small gated area. I remember noticing that day something move towards the corral fence and in that instant realized it was my baby brother crawling under the fence. He was three at the time. Before I could react will a scream or movement Wedito saw my little brother and without hestitation he moved quickly towards my brother barking and nipping at the heels of the steers to move them away from Richie. As Wedito held the area My father saw my brother and quickly reined his horse around and road to the other side of the corral leaning way down over his saddle. In the space Wedito had created around my brother my dad was able to reach down and grab my brother and swing him up into his saddle. My dad was a hero but without his best friend Wedito that might not have been the outcome of the day. Wedito was the smartest and kindest dog I ever known and continued to be by our sides as our friend and more importantly our protector for all of our childhood. He was truly our canine super hero. Thank you Cricket for stirring my memories with your story and your question.
Adrienne
Oh, Adrienne. I loved your story about your canine super hero. I could just picture it in my mind. Also, I'm glad your true dog tale had a happy ending. I much prefer stories like that. Thank you for sharing your story.