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North Phoenix family saves dog from coyote attack

Posted at 5:02 PM, Jul 25, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-26 10:25:50-04

A North Phoenix family’s quick thinking saved their pet from the jaws of a coyote.

Dog owners know the situation all too well -- you open the door and your dog runs out.

For the Mathews family, their little dog would book it to the desert area near their house, but this time, little Tally’s journey took a turn for the worse. 

On their search for the dog, Tyler Whittier heard Tally yelp, that's when the worry set in and he saw the family dog in a coyote's mouth.

“I ran as fast as I could, screaming at this coyote that was actually coming for me,” said Whittier.

The intimidation factor worked; the coyote dropped the dog and took off, leaving the 10-year-old Yorkie-Poo with several puncture wounds and a broken leg.

Jeff Mathews and his wife, Christine, rushed the dog to the local animal hospital.

“Once we got to the vet, they were a little pessimistic about the outcome and said that we have one lucky dog and we dodged a bullet,” said Jeff Mathews.

Little Tally is expected to be ok, but the Mathews are worried the coyotes are getting even bolder in their neighborhood near Cave Creek and Deer Valley.

Trying to score an easy meal in these hot summer months.

“The dogs can't be out,” said Christine Mathews. “I even worry about little kids.”

They want their situation to be a reminder to always keep an eye on your pets.

“Protect your dogs, keep them inside. We've even heard stories about people walking their dogs on leashes and getting attacked as well,” said Jeff Mathews.