By Elizabeth Allen
The Federalist Papers
Dog that Killed 8 Coyotes to Save Family’s Sheep Nominated for Special Award
A Great Pyrenees dog, Casper, has become a hero and is now a nominee for the Farm Dog of the Year award.
His nomination comes after an incredible event in November 2022, where he protected his farm in Georgia from 11 coyotes. This story was shared by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB).
John Wierwille, Casper’s owner, told the tale of how Casper defended his pregnant partner and the sheep. Casper bravely fought off three coyotes that had gotten inside their pen, then jumped over a 4-foot fence to tackle the rest.
Wierwille described the intense moment: “He just charged them. Maybe in ten seconds he had the first three dead methodically. Just one, two, three. Casper saw me, and I think he thought ‘The boss is here, I can go after them.’ He leaped the fence in one bound and went after the rest of the pack.”
Casper’s fight with the coyotes lasted about 30 minutes, and he managed to kill eight of them.
Unfortunately, Casper was injured in the process. He was missing for two days and came back with serious wounds. His survival was doubtful, but after multiple surgeries and care from an emergency vet and the Lifeline Animal Project in Atlanta, he made a remarkable recovery.
Despite his injuries leaving him with a bald spot, a scarred ear, and a docked tail, Casper’s spirit remains high. Wierwille observed his resilient nature: “Now he just wags his whole body starting with his shoulders down to his haunches. It’s a remarkable site to see.”
