It’s rare for someone to find an unknown animal in their yard, and it becomes even more puzzling when the creature’s identity remains a mystery due to its condition. This was the scenario for Sharon Betrozzi when she encountered what she believed to be a sick, elderly dog under her porch in Folsom, California. Hesitant to act alone, she promptly contacted City Folsom Animal Services for assistance.
She Was Left In Shock
Nearly four hours passed while the animal lay motionless before the officers arrived. Upon closer inspection, the staff disagreed with Sharon’s assumption that it was a dog. To her astonishment, they revealed that the creature was actually a very sick coyote. With urgent action needed to save the coyote, they swiftly moved into action.
As reported in a Facebook post by City of Folsom Animal Services, it was discovered that this young coyote was suffering from a severe case of mange. They decided to transport her to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in Loomis, California, and affectionately named her Princess while wishing for her recovery.
Determined To Help Her
Upon her arrival at GCWR, staff quickly recognized that Princess was in dire condition. In addition to her mange, she was severely dehydrated. Nonetheless, the dedicated team immediately set to work, administering rehydration fluids and medications to treat both the mange and itching.
“She was bathed to help remove some of the dead skin and to make her feel more comfortable. The next morning, we were pleased to see that she drank all of the water and special diet food we had left with her overnight. She started scratching less and eating more,” said Sallysue Stein, president of GCWR’s board of directors, in an interview with The Dodo.
After several days of intensive treatment, Princess showed significant improvement, convincing her caretakers that she would be okay. Once they returned her to a natural diet a few months later, she began to gain weight and her skin condition improved markedly. Finally, the true essence of a coyote shone through her eyes.
This resilient young coyote was soon ready for a remarkable comeback.
Back Where She Belongs
While the team at GCWR determined Princess was fit to return to the wild, they opted to take a cautious approach. Instead, she was transferred to Sierra Wildlife Rescue, allowing her to interact with fellow coyotes and gradually acclimate back to her natural environment.
Fortunately, her wait was short, and in a fleeting moment of joy, she was released back into the wild alongside her coyote companions. This was a scene that epitomized freedom, especially after all the trials she had endured. And even as she ventured into the wilderness, it was clear that she carried with her the memories of those who helped her along the way.
