My sympathy to Mr. Rich Pitts and his family in losing his beloved pets to coyotes.

We believe that a coyote took our very loved “best friend” named Toto, weight about seven pounds. (My husband saw coyote droppings with fur looking like our dog's on our property.)

There were thoughts that it could have been a bird of prey that snatched our little dog. The only hawks I have seen around my place are not very large. I doubt seriously that they could pick up a seven-pound dog.

Mr. Pitts' miniature rat terriers look larger than my little mixed breed. I can't believe that hawks took off not one but two dogs!

The Pittses have seen the coyotes outside their fence. What is the reason to think that anything else snatched these dogs?

I fear coyotes very much and never let my little dog out the door without accompanying him, no matter rain, sleet or snow. I know this is not foolproof, but it is better than letting him out by himself.

Patricia Lee Andersen

Grass Valley