Heartbroken owner checks wildlife camera, discovers missing dog was snatched by coyotes
Warning: The above video contains images viewers might find upsetting
Rusty was a Jack Russel terrier mix who 10 years ago was adopted from a pet rescue by retired Sanford veterinarian Bill Delaporte and his wife Ruth.
Delaporte says around 5:30 Tuesday morning, Rusty wanted to be let out in their back yard at the Lake Sylvan Reserve.
"I turned on that big floodlight right there, lights up the whole backyard and I didn't see anything so I let him outside," Delaporte said.
Delaporte said he headed back into the house for just a moment and when he returned outside, "When I came back I called for Rusty and he didn't come and the neighbors then told me back in this corner they heard fighting. No barking but just yak yak yak! So, they didn't know what that was."
Delaporte spent the morning searching for Rusty with no luck. It then occurred to him to check the wildlife camera he keeps on a tree in his backyard.
He was devastated to discover the video showed two coyotes — one with Rusty in its mouth.
“Just broke our hearts,” Delaporte said.
Delaporte continued to search the woods and after finding nothing, assumes Rusty did not survive.
The Delaportes say their yard is surrounded by an invisible fence which kept Rusty from wandering off but doesn't keep predators out.
Delaporte wanted to share his story so other pet owners won't make the same mistake
“I want to protect other pets. You know, you don't see these coyotes. They're nocturnal and so you know I should have waited till daylight. I kind of feel responsible,” Delaporte said.
Among Delaporte's fondest memories of Rusty are what a fighter he was. Five years ago, Rusty required surgery after being attacked by a bear but survived.