A coyote nearly killed a family dog in Church Road last week. Cathy Hendricks says her dog "Josie" was running in the woods on their farm when it was attacked. The dog suffered serious injuries and barely survived.

The 8 year old beagle, suffered numerous puncture wounds around her throat and tears along her belly. Veterinarians told Hendricks and her family that their dog was most likely attacked by a young coyote. The vet believes that a grown coyote would have killed their dog instantly because of her size. 

Hendricks says her family has seen coyotes on their farm before and they can often hear them at night, but she was never too concerned.

"Josie" has now undergone two surgeries and is getting treatment for an infection. She is expected to recover and the Hendricks hope to bring her home over the weekend.

The vet that treated "Josie", Dr. Deborah Kinney Nay, says there are a lot more coyotes than people would think and and that their primary source of food is going to be small rodents, rabbits and things that are already helpless or injured in some way.  Be advised, they will attack cats or dogs so keep a watchful eye on your pets.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)