Owner mourns dog taken by coyote in Vancouver park: 'She deserved better'

Travis Olson is heartbroken after his small Chihuahua, Lulu, was fatally attacked by a coyote in Vancouver's Trout Lake Park. Olson recounted the harrowing experience on Sunday evening, explaining that he was walking Lulu, who was off-leash, in a familiar area where he often takes her.

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We heard a squeak, and I looked over and just could see her light being shaken back and forth.

As dusk settled, Olson and his friend Mo were heading home when the attack occurred. Despite the presence of other people nearby, Olson saw a flashing light on Lulu's harness suddenly shake. He realized a coyote had grabbed his dog and watched in horror as it ran towards the lake with Lulu. "And her cry stopped, and the light disappeared, and I knew she was dead," Olson told Global News, describing the moment he lost his beloved companion.

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And I started screaming, and I started chasing after them, and chased as fast as I could, obviously. And I just watched that coyote take my dog in that flashing light all the way to the lake.

Lulu, a four-and-a-half-pound dog, had been Olson's companion for nine years after he rescued her. He described her as a sweet dog who was well-known and loved in the park and community. "I just can’t help but think that she deserved better," Olson said, emphasizing Lulu's gentle nature.

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And her cry stopped, and the light disappeared, and I knew she was dead.

In response to the incident, Angela Haer, a Vancouver Park Board commissioner, stated that the board is collaborating with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service and city staff to implement new signage. These signs will aim to increase public awareness of coyote activity in the park. Coyotes are protected under the Provincial Wildlife Act, placing them outside the City of Vancouver's direct regulatory control. Olson hopes Lulu's tragic death will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and preventative measures to protect other pets and children in the city.

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I just can’t help but think that she deserved better.