Heartbreak as a dog was 'dumped for dead' in a desert and had to live with coyotes

An all-white dog Ghost surprised the locals in Nevada by making his way into nearby neighbourhoods with its unlikely friends. The pooch appeared to not only have been accepted by the pack of coyotes but may even have led it.

But living amongst the wild 'beasts' put Ghost’s life at risk and he needed help.

Rescue operation

Pitbull Ghost may have been dumped in the desert as a puppy and taken in by the coyotes as one of their own.

Susan McMullen, of the Southern Nevada Trapping Team, said the first report of Ghost made on social media was in July 2022.

She explained:

It seems like he may have been put out there between seven and eight months and somehow or another, the coyotes just accepted him. It even looked like he led the pack.

The animal welfare organisation tried to rescue the pooch but every time someone would approach him, Ghost would disappear, true to his name.

But as the adventurous pup was reported injured and limping, the need to save him became acute.

McCullen said:

He was actually just running with them and eating with them, but then he started to limp, and we were afraid that the coyotes could turn on him.

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Ghost was relieved to be found

The locals shared maps of the paths Ghost would take, and McMullen and her partner Timi Zondiros searched near homes and in the open desert for days and hours on end.

The efforts finally paid off after the pair set up a crate baited with food, and Ghost walked into the trap.

Zondiros admitted:

When he got into that crate…. He just sat down. I think he was also relieved.

‘He is the sweetest, most loving dog’

According to McMullen, despite living for months in the desert with a pack of coyotes, Ghost is as friendly as can be and takes to every human he sees. In fact, he is ‘the sweetest, most loving dog’ as he comes close to people and wants to be petted and held.

Sadly, the pooch’s dreadful experience came at a price for his health. Fights with coyotes scarred his face and body. He also has an ear infection and skin issues, and needs to have a broken toe amputated. He also has rocks in his belly.

As Ghost has shown no signs of aggression, he will be put up for adoption once his medical work is done. His rescuers admit that he is not crate- and leash-trained. He doesn’t sleep at night, paces, and pants. But they believe that the right owner and their affection will be able to overcome all the issues.

Ghost harbours no resentment toward humans despite being left for dead in the desert.

Zondiros said:

I believe he is going to be the best dog because they are the most grateful, the ones that are rescued… they feel it.

A GoFundMe has been established to help with Ghost’s medical bills.

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Sources used:

- KSNB Hastings Local: 'WATCH: Dog abandoned in desert found living with coyote pack'