A brave senior dog sprang into action to save his younger canine brother from a coyote attack in Mission Viejo, California.
David and Erin Macaluso toldFox 11 Los Angelesthat they had just let out their two dogs — an 11-year-old Maltese/dachshund mix named Vinny and his younger brother Harley — when the pooches started racing through their backyard.
However, before anything sinister happens, Vinny runs in to help Harley from the other side of the backyard. The senior pup runs into the bushes and scares the coyote off, allowing Harley to escape to the house.
“It happens just that quick,” David added. “We’re really diligent, and it just took one little thing, and we could’ve lost [our] little guy.”
Erin toldKTLAthat Harley had to receive stitches for two lacerations. The coyote also left the little dog with several bite marks and abrasions, but the canine’s pet parents feel lucky Harley’s injuries weren’t worse and thankful that Vinny jumped to action.
“You know, a little 10-pound, three tooth dog … and 11 years old chased off a 60-pound coyote,” David told the outlet. “So, it’s pretty amazing. He did a great job. He’s our little hero.”
Harley is expected to make a full recovery.
Dr. Shari Rodriguez, assistant professor of human dimensions of wildlife at Clemson University, toldPetsMDthat humans should ensure that their pets are not left unattended as coyotes can sometimes see smaller domesticated animals as prey.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Last year, a similar incident occurred when a Labrador retriever saved his sister, a Boston terrier named Sadie, from a coyote attack after the wild animal jumped over a six-foot wall into the dogs' backyard in Huntington Beach, California.
source: people.com
