MILTON (CBS) – A Milton man chased down a coyote to help save his family’s dog from a potentially deadly attack.

Early Saturday morning, the small dog named Cally was outside in her backyard when a coyote attacked her and opened gaping wounds.

The coyote then ran away with Cally still in its mouth.

Ryan Labbe says his father then chased down the coyote and saved his pet’s life.

“It attacked her first in the abdomen,” Ryan said. “But she managed to get away somehow. Then it attacked her again and went right for her neck, picked her up and ran down the street with her. My dad chased it down.”

The coyote was tackled and dropped the wounded dog, which then ran home.

Cally’s family wants to warn other families to keep a close eye on their pets.

It is believed the coyote was a female with three pups.

Experts say coyotes raising young can be even more dangerous because they are protective, and looking for more food