Aug. 17: Letters to the editor

Coyote pet protection

Thank you for your excellent and topically important article, “Coyotes ‘Out of Control’ in Carmel Valley.” I might have an idea that would be helpful to other local pet owners.

After the 2003 fires our Maltese named “Fat Boy” was attacked in our backyard in Del Mar near the Flower Hill Mall. The dogs had a dog door in the wall of our family room.

We took Fat Boy to Helen Woodward Animal Hospital and he survived after 16 bites, a pierced diaphragm and major thoracic surgery.

After that, we decided to protect our dogs by buying the largest pet cage and removing the plastic base so it sat on the grass under the dog door. We attached the cage to the wall and used tether screws to secure it to the ground. Our dogs could relieve themselves in the cage and we used the cage door to clean out the grass area.

I hope this might help worried owners. My heart goes out to those who have had injured or lost pets. I hope this helps to save our beloved pets.

Lynne Wheeler

Rancho Santa Fe