The hazard of living close to wildlife.

Due to health problems, our daughter moved back in with us three years ago. Since then, she has lost one loved cat to diabetes. Early two days ago, both her cats were accidently let out by a young man who rents a room with us. Unfortunately, we've had coyotes hanging around quite close to the house. Now after two mild winters, the coyotes most likely have large litters to feed. So far the coyotes have killed two skunks and a young raven close by. They're very stealthy and now it looks like they've taken our daughter's cat, Desto. I never let our little dog out at any time without someone being right there with him. This was a tragic mistake for our daughter and her poor cat. We've all grown to love him dearly and he leaves a huge hole in our hearts. Our daughter is inconsolable.
We heard the coyotes howling just before dawn and then we heard a cat screaming. I'll never forget that horrible sound right outside our bedroom window. First thing I did was to ask my husband where the cats were. We thought they were safely inside... this is too sad to continue. Please, let this be a warning to anyone who has small pets in coyote country, and that's just about everywhere. It's just too easy for our dear ones to slip out the door, especially when you have summer visitors. We even had a sign on the door that said, "Do NOT let the cats out."
We hoped and prayed that the fur we found in the tall weeds below our bedroom window wasn't Desto... but it must have been. He never returned. We finally located the other kitty late yesterday. Bhasat, had been hiding in the space between the upstairs deck and the roof. He was terrified. He's back to his normal self this morning and already 'sharking' the doors. We're all being extremely careful to make certain he doesn't get out and that's not easy with so many people going in and out.
I just spoke to the neighbor below us who said she saw a coyote in her yard yesterday afternoon and the other neighbor to the north of us lost 5 chickens. These coyotes are getting very bold.
We just learned that another neighbor's ShiZhu went missing during the last thunder storm and that was several days ago. No doubt the thunder storm frightened the little dog away but unfortunatly with the kind of coyote activity we've had lately, it's unlikely she will return.
In the meantime, our little dog and the remaining kitty are obviously grieving as both have refused food since the loss of Modesto.
Coyotes thrive even in downtown Los Angeles. Please, keep your pets close. Even a large dog can be taken down by a pack of coyotes.