A South Boston woman says her chihuahua was attacked by a coyote in the middle of the city’s neighborhood on Tuesday night.
She says the attack happened while the dog was on a leash right outside her apartment building at night. Little Oreo the chihuahua suffered some serious injuries.
That dog owner lives along East 8th Street in Southie and usually brings her dogs out not far from the building. On the night of the attack, her daughter brought Oreo just steps from their home and watched in horror as a coyote pounced on him.
“She’s crying hysterically saying Oreo got attacked by a coyote and I’m like, ‘what?’” Martinez said. “How does Oreo get attacked by a coyote?”
A neighbor rushed the dog to an animal hospital. Doctors told the family this was a close call. His body is wrapped in a cast, bruises covering his tiny body.
All that needs to be done as Oreo tries to make a full recovery from his injuries.
“He has swelling in the brain, he has a bruised lung, broken ribs [and] he has a concussion,” she added.
Related: Woman fends off coyote trying to attack dog in Reading
Martinez took Oreo in as a stray about 7 years ago, naming him after the black and white cookie because of his coloring. He’s now part of the family.
“Now I’m scared to take them out at all,” said Mercedes Martinez. “I just have to keep an eye on him, make sure his breathing is okay, and just give him his medicine and keep him comfortable.”
Neighbors who also have small dogs say they’re shocked wild animals would be a threat to their dogs in the city, but say they’re taking all precautions.
“There’s still a possibility that everything can go downhill because of the injuries, so we’re just praying that he gets better,” Martinez said.
Residents say they’re worried about their own children too with these wild animals roaming the city. Neighbors say they’re alerting each other when they spot them.