Jessica Simpson has not had it easy the past few months. First there was the media attack on her fluctuating weight and then her NFL star boyfriend, Tony Romo, breaks up with her just before her birthday, but through it all she had her loyal companion, Daisy the maltipoo, by her side. Daisy was a gift to Jessica from her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, and while Nick Lachey is no longer in Jessica’s life Daisy had become a furry fixture.
Yet now it seems Jessica has been given the worst blow of all, a coyote has snatched her beloved Daisy.
Jessica took to her Twitter page to write: “My heart is broken because a coyote took my precious Daisy right in front of our eyes, HORROR! We are searching. Hoping. Please help! ”
The Simpson family has put up posters around their neighborhood in hopes of getting Daisy returned. The poster features a picture of the caramel colored maltipoo, followed by the words, “I miss my Mommy,” ‘Daisy’. There is also a special email address, “findingmissdaisy@gmail.com,” where any information that may lead to Daisy can be sent.
This is not the first coyote to prey upon a celebrity pet. In July, Ozzy Osbourne’s Pomeranian, Little Bit, was attacked on the grounds of the families Los Angeles home. Paris Hilton, Halle Berry, and Demi Moore have also had dogs fall victim to an attack.
Coyotes are a clever predator and are perfectly comfortable living near humans; because of this reason precautions should be taken if you live in an area with a high coyote population. Here are a few tips to assure that your beloved pooch remains safe from roaming coyotes:
1) Remember; electric fences may keep your pet in, but they will not keep predators out! A fence of at least six feet, installed with an angle will help provide a deterrent. The fence should be buried at least one foot into the ground (with an apron base) to be sure the coyotes will not be able to dig under the fence.
2) Make sure that fruit trees, garbage, and food bowls are secured or kept in-doors. Having these accessible will attract a scavenging coyote.
3) Try to keep your dog on a leash when walking in areas with a coyote population. If you choose to take your dog off-leash, make sure he stays close. During walks it is a good idea to carry a walking stick, air horn, loud whistle, etc, that can be used to scare off a coyote. Also, try not to form a regular walking routine; coyotes are quick learners and can learn your daily patterns.
4) Never turn your back on a coyote, it only takes a moment for them to attack their prey. If a coyote approaches you on your property make eye contact, throw things, make as much noise as possible, do anything to make yourself look large and intimidating.