Her Dad Brought Home A Strange Puppy But Look Closely, Because That's NOT A Regular Dog

#1 A Surprise Gift

When Hailey Hanestad was five years old, her father came home with a shivering little bundle of furry joy in need of a good home. Since Hailey's family lived on a ranch in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, they were no strangers to animals.

#2 Something Different

The father found the "puppy" afraid, abandoned and hungry, so he thought he would surprise his girl with a new puppy since she had wanted one for a long time. But this creature was something very special.

#3 It Was A Baby Coyote

After realizing the puppy was not a dog, but instead a coyote, they decided to keep him anyway. They had already grown attached to the animal, and Hailey had named him Wiley.

#4 Inseparable Pair

Before long Wiley and Hailey were pretty much inseparable. They spent most of the day together, and Hailey played with her new friends like wit was a dog. She taught him several tricks including to fetch a ball and shake hands. Wiley seemed to like 'hide & seek' the best.

#5 Sleeping Partners

Wiley loved Hailey and would sleep with her at night in her bed, at the foot. He was very protective of Hailey, and though the two were close and cuddly, Wiley didn't like anyone bothering the two after hours. As he grew he would keep watch on Hailey while she slept and would cuddle beside her.

#6 Spiled Family Member

The coyote is spoiled by the family and even likes his meals cooked instead of raw. He loves eggs and venison meat the most. He will even allow the family to regularly bathe and shower him without a fuss and loves to have his ears and belly rubbed.

#7 Daily Routine

The father walks Wiley on a daily basis throughout the many trails on the ranch. He seems to enjoy being around humans more than he does being in the wild and helps the dad track deer and other animals, which of course he will enjoy cooked for his dinner.

#8 His Habitat

During the day when Hailey is at school, they put Wiley in an enclosure they built specifically to suit the needs of a coyote. The fenced in area includes plants and a burrowing hole, just like a real coyote habitat. But Wiley prefers home living instead and rarely ever burrows or looks for food. They are convinced that at this stage Wiley would never survive on his own if taken back to the wild.

#9 Member Of The Family

The World Wildlife Foundation suggests that no animal found in the wild should be taken in and cared for as a family pet because of the dangers involved. However, the Hanestads have clearly gone to great lengths to make sure that Wiley's needs are taken care of. Now, he's just another member of the family!

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