I hope in future that you AND your fiance "carry" (either open or concealed as you prefer) on your walks, not just for coyotes. Too many stories of domestic canines let "run loose" and attacking.
“Too many stories of domestic canines let “run loose” and attacking.”
When I lived in the California backcountry, idiots city folk would dump their unwanted mutts in the foothills. Then they’d pack up with other mutts, go feral and terrorize the area. It would get so bad at times that I’d need to carry a scattergun and tie a buntline on my hip for protection.
Once in a while, a newcomer would cut himself from the pack and come begging for food. I’d feed him a few days and when he seemed friendly enough, I’d load him on the truck and take him to the local shelter.
Other mutts weren’t so lucky.
I always tell city folk that dog biscuits don’t grow on trees. Most of the animals they let loose will starve. But some people are stupid and animals needlessly suffer.