Coyote Attack Dog Finds New Home

Sophie, the maltipoo considered a hero in a recent coyote attack, finds a new home

Sophie, the maltipoo who saved another dog from a coyote attack, has a new home.

The 2-year-old poodle- Maltese mix suffered bite marks to her neck, shoulder and side after she stepped between a coyote and a puppy in the backyard of her East County family.

The dog’s family said they heard a cry and ran out to see Sophie jump in to protect the puppy from the coyote. 

Soon after, the family decided their home’s location near wildlife might be a threat to the dog and puppy’s safety, so they surrendered the animals to the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

After receiving requests from all across the country, the center placed Sophie with a family from Seal Beach.

Kelly Hallmark and her 8-year-old daughter Madison adopted Sophie to add to their family. The single mom has spent 19 years in the military and has always had rescued pets.

Sadly, she has lost two other dogs in the past couple of years.

Now, Sophie will join a female rescue dog Charlie and a hamster named Frankie in the Hallmark’s home.

Sophie was scheduled to go home with her new family after she took part in a “Mardi Paws" parade Tuesday.

The puppy, Lulu, was not injured and was later adopted.

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