In the end, the coyotes got Flash.

The 12-year-old cocker spaniel-poodle mix and his smaller companion, Brady, were attacked and bitten by two coyotes in the front yard of their Cromesett Road home in late November. (See earlier story.)

The coyotes were chased away by owner Patrick Lester, both dogs received veterinary attention and, by mid-December, both appeared well on their way to making a complete recovery. That in itself was rather remarkable. Few small pets survive a coyote attack long enough to be treated for the bites.

But, Lester and wife Anne Eisenmenger (full disclosure: Wareham Week publisher) knew from the beginning that the more seriously wounded Flash may have sustained internal injuries that were not immediately evident. He did, and died of liver failure on Dec. 27.

The fully recovered Brady is adjusting to only-dog status.

And Lester and Eisenmenger advise other owners of small pets to heed Animal Control Officer Carlston Wood's advice: Never leave dogs outside unattended in areas that coyotes are known to frequent -- which Wood says is everywhere in Wareham.