Even though wild animals are well-equipped to survive on their own and typically don’t need human intervention, sometimes they benefit from a little attention and care. This is something animal lover LouAnne Brickhouse from Los Angeles, California, knows all too well. She has a unique way of connecting with these creatures, offering them comfort and meeting their needs when they need it the most.
A Surprise Visitor
A few years ago, LouAnne was reviewing footage from a trail camera she had set up around her house. She noticed an animal wandering around her property and, upon closer inspection, realized it was a female coyote. Many people would have been frightened by such a discovery and tried to shoo the animal away, but not LouAnne. She saw an opportunity to help.
Her Favorite Stuffies
Source: @thedailyjames
At first, LouAnne mistook the coyote for a dog. However, upon realizing it was a wild coyote, she didn’t panic. Instead, she felt a surge of compassion for the animal, which she later named Stevie. Recognizing that Stevie looked tired, LouAnne gave her space to rest and recuperate.
In an unusual but heartwarming gesture, LouAnne decided to offer Stevie some dog toys. This might seem strange to some, considering Stevie was a wild animal and not a pet, but LouAnne hoped the toys would bring some comfort and joy to the coyote.
The response was immediate and positive. Stevie fell in love with the fluffy toys, a clear sign that LouAnne’s instincts were spot on. Stevie was not a permanent fixture in LouAnne’s backyard, but she returned frequently to play with her new toys. LouAnne found it particularly touching to see Stevie occasionally rest her head on the soft toys for a nap.
An Unusual Bond
Source: @thedailyjames
What amazed LouAnne the most was Stevie’s gentle treatment of the toys. Unlike domestic dogs that often chew and tear their toys apart, Stevie never damaged her toys. She would leave them on the balcony when she was done playing, a behavior LouAnne noted on her Instagram profile. This respect for her toys highlighted the unique bond forming between LouAnne and the wild coyote.
Each day, Stevie’s visits brought more joy to LouAnne, who responded by providing new toys for the coyote. LouAnne shared these special moments on her wildlife Instagram profile, attracting a growing number of followers who were captivated by the unlikely friendship.
Two Lovely Souls
Source: @thedailyjames via The Dodo
Over time, Stevie was no longer the sole visitor to LouAnne’s yard. She was joined by a male coyote, whom LouAnne named Jack. The two coyotes became inseparable, often seen playing together with the stuffed toys LouAnne provided.
This bond between Stevie and Jack only deepened their connection to LouAnne. Despite Jack’s presence, Stevie remained attached to her beloved toys, now shared with her companion. For LouAnne, the toys became a symbol of the love and connection these wild creatures shared.
A Symbol of Love and Play
For LouAnne, the stuffed toys were more than just playthings; they were a symbol of the emotional depth and capacity for love that wild animals possess. Contrary to conventional wisdom that views wild animals as solely driven by survival instincts, Stevie and Jack demonstrated that they, too, could experience joy, love, and happiness.
These moments of play and affection were shared with the world through LouAnne’s Instagram posts, which quickly garnered widespread attention. People were fascinated by the tender relationship between LouAnne and the coyotes, and the story of Stevie and Jack became a heartwarming example of the unexpected connections that can form between humans and wild animals.
