Lion roar and wolf howl

(MaryGaspe coast, Qc.)

We live in the country with Gabriel (Pyr) and Patches(mix). They are our much-loved house companions and guardians. Nothing passes their notice unannounced.
Large coyotes are a new and frightening addition to the neighbourhood. They have been seen close to every home and on the neighbour's porches, during the day and at night. They do not ever approach close to our home as we think they do recognise Gabriel's very serious bark as intent and a warning.
Our own 50 acres are forest and open fields and we try to not interfere with nature. But these coyotes are very large and unafraid. Their hunting pressure is constant and relentless. Our Pyr has in the past given them the fierce 'lion's roar' which has had an effect. But this summer, the coyote pack is back...yodelling and hunting once more.
Both dogs sleep with us, and our windows are always open. So the explosion of Patches' frantic barking instantly woke us up. But the sound that our sweet Gabriel made had the hair stand up on our necks. He uttered a low deep howl that we've never before heard him make. Holy smokes...we sat up and looked at him, all bristling and intently staring up at the top of our fields. We got up to see what we could see. Nothing, no surprise. But our 2 boys were very, very serious. That wolf-like howl must have had a message though, as we have not heard any coyote sing-songs since that night.
So amazing, these Pyrenees....certainly there is a depth of character and a genetic link to the ancestors that remains strong and unbroken. It is such an honour to have one as a companion and guardian.