My Coyote

"Did you lock the gate?" I asked my husband. He gave me his usual affirming answer, and offered me the opportunity to go and double check. But we have had that conversation so many times before that I knew his annoyance with me in even asking him that question once again. I knew my dog, and knew that he would not be the safest dog on the loose in the neighborhood if he escaped our backyard; not safe for himself or other dogs or even people he may come across. After all, Goldyn was a rescued street dog, and though he has seemingly reformed, I thought he would always have that certain streak in him to wander wildly on the town. But was I ever wrong. . .

The next morning when I casually went outside with Goldyn in the backyard, I glanced over at the side gate and saw it standing ajar without lock or latch. To my amazement, Goldyn did not even seem to notice, but went about his usual business on the opposite side of the yard. I realized that yesterday the gate had been open the whole time. It was open when we ran errands in the afternoon, and evidently Goldyn still remained in the backyard, even during the wind and intermittent rain. I was astonished, for I have never had a dog before that would stay behind when the opportunity for escape was so plainly in sight. It was as if a guardian angel stood at the gate! Or maybe Goldyn has reformed his ways, maybe he has realized the benefits of a meal each day, a warm dry place to sleep each night, regular walks and runs, and a master who tries to patiently train him.

Yep, sometimes you think all your teaching is in vain, you think that the one you're trying to rear or train will never get it, that it's way beyond their canine nature. But that's when you're taken by surprise, the wild coyote you thought you had, has become the model pet and star. Hurrah!