Wiley, an adorable and adventurous dog, has a story that is as heartwarming as it is unbelievable. For over a year, this lovable pup lived side by side with a wild pack of coyotes, forming an unlikely bond that defies conventional expectations. His incredible journey from a lost domestic dog to a member of a coyote pack has captivated people across the internet, leaving many amazed at the sheer resilience and adaptability Wiley displayed. His adventure, filled with unexpected twists, has quickly become a story that has stunned and inspired animal lovers worldwide.
Wiley’s story didn’t begin in the wilderness. It’s believed that at some point, he either ran away from home or got lost, and eventually found himself wandering into the dense forests near Kingston, New York. There, fate led him to an unusual encounter—a wild pack of coyotes. The first reported sighting of Wiley with the coyotes occurred about 18 months ago, and from then on, he was frequently spotted by locals running alongside them as if he were one of their own.
“He was constantly seen playing with them, running with them, almost like he had become part of the pack,” explained Nicole Asher, founder of Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery (BDRR), during an interview with The Dodo.
The details of how Wiley managed to integrate into the wild coyote pack remain a mystery. While many questions surround this unlikely friendship, Asher pointed out that it isn’t completely unheard of for domestic dogs and coyotes to coexist in some form. “There are things like coy-dogs, which are hybrids of coyotes and dogs that result from interbreeding. But seeing a domesticated dog so fully accepted into a wild pack is incredibly rare.”
Despite his new life in the wild, Wiley was still a dog with basic needs and vulnerabilities. Coyotes are known for their harsh and survivalist nature, making Wiley’s story all the more extraordinary. Somehow, he had managed to not only survive but thrive alongside them, forming bonds that allowed him to fit in with the group. However, rescuers feared that while Wiley appeared healthy, life in the wild could eventually take a toll on his well-being. It became clear that his future would be brighter in the safety and comfort of a loving home.
The call about Wiley came from Sarah Nace, a key member of Lost Pets of Hudson Valley (LPHV), who had been tracking the pup’s sightings. Although Wiley didn’t seem to be in immediate danger, both Nace and Asher knew that finding him a safe, stable environment would be the best option. There was also the concern that Wiley might have an owner out there desperately searching for him. Before they could proceed, the team needed to confirm whether Wiley had been microchipped or if there were any missing dog reports that matched his description.
“Our first priority was to ensure Wiley would return to a familiar spot regularly, which would allow us to safely capture him,” Asher explained. To achieve this, they set up a feeding station in the woods and monitored the area using trail cameras. The feeding station would not only serve as a way to track Wiley’s movements but also encourage him to return to the same location frequently.
Soon enough, the cameras captured footage of both Wiley and his coyote friends, confirming that he was still traveling with the pack. However, despite his wild companions, Wiley seemed drawn to the food that rescuers had set out for him. Within just two days of setting up the feeding station, Wiley’s trap was ready.
“It only took two nights,” Asher recounted. “He was actually quite an easy trapping compared to others we’ve done.”
As Wiley approached the feeding station, the rescue team watched carefully. Though Wiley’s coyote companions were nearby, he didn’t hesitate to check out the food, and soon he was safely inside the trap. When rescuers finally got up close, they realized that the poor pup needed much more than just food.
Wiley’s coat was covered in ticks from head to toe, evidence of the harsh conditions he had endured while living in the wild. Asher quickly transported him to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge (RBARI) for an examination. Along with the much-needed medical attention, Wiley also got something he likely hadn’t experienced in a long time—a warm, comfortable place to sleep.
“Tonight, for the first time in what must feel like forever, Wiley is curled up in a soft, cozy bed,” Asher shared shortly after the rescue.
The next step was to see if Wiley had a microchip or any other identification that could lead them to his owner. Unfortunately, no microchip was found, and despite their efforts to search for reports of a lost dog matching Wiley’s description, rescuers came up empty-handed. This left them with a lingering question—had Wiley been a family’s beloved pet, or was he abandoned and left to fend for himself?
“We’re not sure if he was someone’s lost dog,” Asher admitted. “We’ve scoured the internet, called local authorities, and there have been no reports that match his description. It’s possible he was either a stray or abandoned.”
Regardless of his past, Wiley’s future looked much brighter. After receiving medical care, it became clear that Wiley was a friendly and affectionate dog. He quickly bonded with his rescuers, who marveled at his gentle nature despite his long stint in the wild.
“I think Wiley will be ready for adoption fairly soon,” Asher predicted. “He’s such a sweetheart. He was leaning into me, giving me kisses. Some people assume dogs that have lived in the wild are going to be untamable, but that’s rarely the case.”
As Wiley’s story spread, people were captivated by his resilience and his surprising friendship with the coyote pack. While some feared he might have become more wild than domestic, Wiley quickly proved that he was just as loving and loyal as any family pet. His remarkable journey from living among coyotes to finding safety with humans touched the hearts of all who heard about him.
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
Frannie Laurita, a volunteer at RBARI, couldn’t help but gush over Wiley. “He’s absolutely loving all the attention and care,” she said. “He’s such a big marshmallow. We love him so much.”
Now, Wiley is safe and surrounded by love, but his time with the coyotes remains one of the most extraordinary parts of his story. While it’s rare for domestic dogs to form bonds with wild animals, Wiley’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unlikely friendships are the ones that leave us wide-eyed in wonder.
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