DENVER — She’s 14-years-old, 15 pounds and nothing short of a miracle. “It was horrifying and it was something I will never forget. I blame myself for getting her injured,” said Brenda Farmer.

Her home backs up to a beautiful open space in Thornton.

For pet owners, the open space and the footprints just on the other side of their fence aren’t so pretty.

“I saw her run and what I thought was after a rabbit and then I saw big dark shadow running after her,” Farmer said. “I ran out there and saw her being attacked by coyotes.”

Saturday morning, Brenda Farmer let Ginger outside and looked away for only seconds. Seconds were all the coyotes needed.

“All I could focus on was the coyote that had Ginger in in its mouth trying to get her over the fence. I looked over the fence and there were five of them waiting for the other one to bring her over to take her away.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife isn’t surprised by the activity.

“This is the time of year when coyotes are breeding. Often they’ll be more territorial and aggressive than usual,” said their spokesperson. “Protect your pets and scare coyotes when you see them.”

Brenda clapped loudly and and the coyotes let Ginger go.

After an expensive vet bill she’s back home healing.