Oakley the puppy survived a coyote attack in Suffolk. His owners are reminding others to keep their own pets safe.
SUFFOLK, Va. — A dog is home recovering after a coyote snatched it from a family’s front yard in Suffolk. The family tells 13News Now it’s a miracle their pup, Oakley, survived the attack.
Kyle Ryan said he woke up on Aug. 27 to let his dogs out before getting the kids ready for school, and said he suddenly heard wailing coming from the yard.
He was horrified to find out a coyote had snatched Oakley and dashed away. Ryan said it was a harsh wake-up call.
“I saw a coyote across the street, like directly across from the front yard,” said Ryan. But he had lost track of where the coyote ran off to.
Several neighbors stepped in to help him search the wooded area near their home. After nearly three hours, assuming Oakley was gone for good, there was — finally — a glimmer of hope in the brush.
“He was unresponsive, he was bleeding from his ears, just lying on his side. I didn’t really think he was there,” said Ryan.
But then, he saw a slight tail movement, and instantly knew he had to get his dog emergency care.
“The first thing I thought was to just wrap him up in my shirt, and just start going back the way I came,” said Ryan.
They rushed Oakley to the emergency vet, worried they were about to lose him. And, Ryan said, it was touch-and-go for a while.
“They said, ‘Hey, we don’t know if he’s going to make it,'” said Ryan.
But after two weeks and a specialty care recovery stay later, Oakley is back home. He is timid and shy from the incident, but happy, and walking again.
Ryan said his family was thankful, beyond words.
“There’s no other way to describe it, other than a miracle. I mean, he survived, he’s tough, he’s tough as nails. I already thought he was tough, but I didn’t think he’s a lot tougher than he looks, that’s for sure,” said Ryan.
Ryan said he hopes their story makes people aware of coyotes, and he hopes those who live in areas with coyote populations will stay vigilant.
“It could happen to them. I just wouldn’t want someone to have to go through this too, because it’s tough,” said Ryan.
Ryan shared, his community, in Suffolk, has stepped up, through this incident, to help his family, not only in the search for Oakley, but with pricey medical bills as well. You can find Oakley’s GoFundMe here.
According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, coyotes are native to Virginia and can live in any environment in the state, including densely populated urban areas.
Oakley’s story has quickly spread beyond Suffolk, drawing compassion from people across Virginia and even from out-of-state pet lovers who came across his recovery story online. Many have shared words of encouragement with the Ryan family, saying Oakley’s resilience gives them hope for their own pets who face challenges. The GoFundMe created to help with medical bills has also gained steady support, a reminder of how communities often come together during times of crisis. Ryan said he never imagined strangers would care so deeply about their puppy’s survival, but the kindness has been overwhelming.
Since Oakley’s return home, the family has made several adjustments to ensure their pets are safe from wildlife encounters. Ryan explained that he no longer lets his dogs outside without close supervision, even in broad daylight. Coyotes, he noted, are often more brazen than many people realize, and this attack happened in the morning when most would assume the risk is lower. He also encourages neighbors to invest in motion-activated lights, secure fencing, and to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly if they live near wooded areas.
Veterinarians have stressed that Oakley’s survival was rare, given the seriousness of his injuries. The fact that he regained mobility and is once again walking is considered remarkable progress. While he still startles easily at sudden noises and prefers to stay close to his family, Oakley is showing small but steady signs of returning to his playful self. His favorite toys now sit close by his bed, and although his energy is not quite what it once was, each tail wag is a victory.
Animal control officials in Suffolk also used the incident as an opportunity to educate the public about coyotes. They explained that coyotes are highly adaptable and can thrive in suburban neighborhoods, often searching for food sources like small pets, unsecured garbage, and outdoor feeding stations. Residents are urged to avoid leaving pet food outdoors and to accompany their pets outside, especially during early morning and evening hours when coyotes are most active.
For the Ryan family, Oakley’s survival has shifted their perspective on what it means to be vigilant pet owners. Kyle Ryan admitted that before this, he had never considered coyotes a real threat, even though he occasionally spotted them in the distance. Now, he sees Oakley’s ordeal as a wake-up call not just for his household, but for everyone in Suffolk who loves their pets. “We were given a second chance with Oakley,” he said. “And I don’t want anyone else to have to face the possibility of losing theirs.”
Neighbors who helped in the search have continued to check in on Oakley, stopping by with treats and warm hugs. Their support has been a comfort to the Ryan children, who were devastated at the thought of losing their puppy. Today, Oakley is more than just a family pet—he’s a symbol of resilience and community strength, a reminder that miracles can happen even in the face of tragedy.
