WEST HARTFORD, CT -Imagine your dog is out in the yard and suddenly its attacked by a pack of Coyotes. It happened to a West Hartford family on Christmas eve on Garland road. WTNH TV -New Haven reporting Piper the family dog was rushed Piper to VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT, where she received intensive care. She’s now home and making progress, but Piper relies on a feeding tube and has a long road ahead.
“They were biting her everywhere, but the huge damage is around her neck,” said Maggie Bourgoin, of West Hartford. “They crushed her esophagus, they crushed her voice box, which is coming back a little bit.”
The Bourgoin family is encouraging everyone, especially those with small dogs and young children, to be vigilant and take precautions. They’re also urging people to stop feeding wildlife and are hoping to ask the town for animal-proof garbage cans.
“If we could get one person to not go through what we’ve gone through, it would be worth it,” Bruce Bourgoin said. “It’s terrible.”
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommends:
Never allow pets to run free
Do not feed coyotes or leave out food
Walk dogs on a leash
Attempt to frighten away coyotes
As Piper’s recovery continues, the family thanked their community for the outpouring of support, with many rallying around them and donating money to help cover costs.
A Go fund me page has been set up for Piper.