Yesterday morning started out like most weekdays of mine do. The dogs had been on the porch yipping about something, I assumed that it was either a rabbit or a squirrel. Cassie and Lucky tend to obsess on both.

As I opened the door to go start up my work truck I let them both out with me. In hindsight this was not a great idea. Both immediately took off at maximum RPM, past the usual squirrel and bunny hangouts, down the driveway and into the neighbor's field.

I caught a brief glimpse of their quarry before a clump of trees blocked my view.

They were chasing coyotes. Two of them to be exact, both bigger than either of my dogs.

Lucky weighs a solid 13 pounds. Cassie comes in at about twice that. Not ideal weights for successful coyote chasing. Perfect weights for ideal coyote breakfasts, though.

Apparently the 'yotes figured this out about the same time I did. The next thing I heard was a series of frantic yelping. I took off as fast as my heavy work boots would let me when suddenly all four of them came flying around the trees and up the drive.

The situation had been reversed. The coyotes were now chasing the dogs, especially Lucky. He had about a 3-foot lead on one of the biggest, most beautiful coyotes I have ever seen. This animal was prime of life stuff, hardly seeming to strain as he chased down my little buddy.

I yelled. I yelled again and picked up a rock. They were probably only about 30 feet away when the coyotes spotted me. Instantly they veered off the chase and were gone.

There are advantages to living where ranchers still shoot coyotes. You won't catch these critters napping on anyone's porch.

Susan and I examined Lucky. He had been grabbed by the neck, and on the butt. He had also performed the canine version of crapping his pants. He was one Lucky little buddy.

It's about a day later now. Lucky has been unusually subdued. Even now he is hanging out in his kennel, hiding from the world. Last night I brought him on the couch with me as I watched the Rockies game and he actually hung out there with me for quite awhile, which is pretty unusual.

This morning a closer inspection revealed a good sized wound on his backside. Lucky will be making a trip to the vet. So, will this lesson about the dangers of chasing down predators who are bigger than you make much of an impact on the little guy? Who knows.

It has made an impact on Mr. Dog Owner, though. No more opening the door to let them chase unseen quarry. They can stay on their side of the fence.