Waiting for Rosie

by Skip Haynes (Laurel Canyon Animal Company, 2010, Softcover, 172 pages, $14.95)

This is a touching book, written by a man who led the community action of his neighborhood to trap and rehabilitate a coyote named Rosie. Initially the community is curious and intrigued by this “dog” that roams their neighborhood stealing food out of dog dishes. She appears sickly thin and is missing fur do to a severe case of mange. Instead of anger and fear the community responds with compassion, wishing only to aid Rosie in her self-proclaimed mission. “There is a light to be shown on this pathway for all who encounter me,” she says in one of her communications.

Feeling the pull of her purpose, Haynes enlists the help of pet psychics, veterinarians, and local trappers in order to capture her. This task appears futile as Rosie escapes time and again every trap set for her. The story is told through a series of emails spanning nine months recording the frustrations, amazement, and hope in the community as they pull together to save her from certain death as winter sets in.

Being quite the celebrity, Rosie also now has her own webpage and album. To learn more access www.rosiecoyote.com.