RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. - A 2-year-old Maltipoo recovering from a coyote attack in the East County will be available for adoption at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe in about two weeks.

Sophie and 7-month-old Lulu, also a mix between a Maltese and poodle, were in their backyard when a coyote came after the puppy, according to the animal center.

Sophie got between the two, suffering injuries to her neck, right shoulder and sides, before her owners ran off the coyote. Lulu came through the encounter unhurt.

Afterward, the owners gave up the dogs, fearing that they would be unable to protect them.  

Lulu has already been adopted, and Sophie is convalescing.

Anyone who wants to bring Sophie home can call the Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Department at (858) 756-4117, ext. 313; visit animalcenter.org; or stop by the shelter at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.

The animal center suggested that people whose properties border open country should:

•    -- avoid leaving pets out at night;
•    -- put up a fence at least 6 feet tall that cannot be tunneled under easily;
•    -- use leashes to walk animals at night; and
•    -- bring in pet food at night