It’s rare to stumble upon a completely unknown animal in your own yard, and even more bewildering when you can’t identify the creature because of its condition.
That’s exactly the situation Sharon Betrozzi found herself in when she spotted what she assumed was an old, ailing dog tucked beneath her porch in Folsom, California.
It was a chilly morning, and the animal lay huddled against the cold concrete, barely moving.
Unsure how to proceed on her own, Sharon immediately called City of Folsom Animal Services for assistance. As she stood nearby, the animal’s shallow breathing and matted fur only deepened her concern.
She Was Left In Shock
By the time animal services personnel arrived, nearly four hours after the creature had lain motionless. They realized this was no ordinary stray.
The team gently coaxed the animal out and discovered that, rather than a domestic dog, it was a very sick juvenile coyote.
Examining the “mystery creature” more closely, they quickly disproved Sharon’s initial belief. Fur soiled with mud and skeleton-thin limbs confirmed the worst: the young coyote was in critical condition.
Given her fragile state, the officers wasted no time and sprang into action to secure her for transport.
A City of Folsom Animal Services Facebook post later revealed that this coyote was suffering from a severe case of sarcoptic mange, which had ravaged her skin and left her vulnerable to dehydration.
The officers carefully placed her in a ventilated carrier and rushed her to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in Loomis, California.
Before loading her into the transport vehicle, they gave her a name, Princess, and offered words of encouragement for her journey ahead.
Determined To Help Her
Upon arrival at GCWR, staff immediately noted the depth of her suffering: her eyes dulled by dehydration, her fur falling out in clumps, and raw, irritated skin exposed to the elements.
They wasted no time, administering rehydration fluids under her skin and starting a regimen of medications to combat sarcoptic mange and relieve her relentless 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.” Sallysue Stein, president of GCWR’s board of directors, told The Dodo.
Over the next several days, Princess began to respond to treatment. Her caretakers gently combed away scabs during medicated baths and cleaned each wound.
They monitored her vitals around the clock and offered soft bedding to cushion her weakened body. Slowly but surely, she gained strength.
Soon, this brave girl was ready for a big comeback.
Back Where She Belongs
Although GCWR deemed Princess fit for release, they chose not to thrust her immediately back into the wild.
Instead, they transferred her to Sierra Wildlife Rescue, where she could reacclimate among other rehabilitated coyotes.
There, she practiced natural behaviors, like stalking through brush and socializing with her peers, under the watchful eyes of wildlife specialists.
In just a few short months, Princess had transformed from a fragile, mangy pup into a sleek, alert young coyote, eager to rejoin her kind under open skies.
The sight was a true testament to freedom, especially after all she had endured.
And although she was finally home in her natural habitat, deep down she surely carried the memory of those who saved her.