In Memory of Judy Paulsen (Project Coyote New Mexico Representative, 2012-2019)

In Memory of Judy Paulsen (Project Coyote New Mexico Representative, 2012-2019)

It is with great sadness that we share the devastating news that long-time Project Coyote New Mexico representative Judy Paulsen passed away earlier this month.

Judy came into my sphere in 2012 when she contacted Project Coyote to find out how she could get more involved in promoting coexistence between coyotes, domestic animals and people in her hometown of Corrales, New Mexico. I could tell the first time we spoke that she was motivated, dedicated and passionate about coyotes – indeed, all animals – and that she had the potential to become a strong ambassador and representative for Project Coyote.

For the next six years Judy dedicated her passion, time and talents to Project Coyote. With her many presentations and tabling events, she reached innumerable citizens with our message of compassionate conservation and coexistence. She also personally helped countless individuals address specific coyote conflict situations, no doubt saving the lives of many coyotes who would otherwise have perished.

In addition to Project Coyote, Judy was dedicated to greyhound rescue. She founded Greyhound Companions of New Mexico and worked tirelessly for 30+ years to rescue greyhounds off the race track and to place them in loving homes. She spoke out vociferously against greyhound coursing, the unconscionable practice of setting greyhounds on wild prey including coyotes and foxes. Judy was featured in this New York Times article that describes the brutality of coursing—not only to the greyhounds, but also to the coyotes they were trained to pursue. She has uniquely and compellingly made the link between abuse of both species at numerous venues, often with her beloved greyhound rescue Rowdy by her side. Judy worked hard to raise public awareness about the dangers of traps and poisons to wildlife and represented Project Coyote in the Trap Free New Mexico coalition. Working closely with our allies throughout the state, Judy contributed significantly to our recent coalition victory in banning coyote killing contests in New Mexico.

I was honored to present Judy Paulsen with Project Coyote’s Guardian of the Pack Award last year, recognizing her dedication to Project Coyote and her unstinting commitment to making this a better world for coyotes and all persecuted carnivores in North America.

The world and the animals have lost a bright shining light with Judy’s passing, but her legacy and her spirit live on. She was and forever will be remembered as a champion of the Underdog, of fiercely defending what is right and good in the world, and for her boundless compassion for non-human animals. Rest in peace, dear Judy. Your pack misses you deeply, but we know the coyotes, greyhounds, and many beautiful animal lives you have saved are watching over you.

~ Camilla Fox, Founder & Executive Director

Remembering Judy Paulsen

The plight of coyotes launched an inspired and truly synergistic relationship with the wonderful Judy Paulsen. I cannot remember where or how we first met—we bonded immediately. One felt like they knew Judy forever. Judy was honest, accepting, and willing to share on deep personal levels.

I felt I could completely trust and rely upon Judy—as could so many people and animals in her life.

Judy was truly willing to suffer the sins of others in saving and advocating for wild and domestic animal’s lives and welfare. Judy’s loyalty and dedication to her deceased husband, and his challenges, was hard to define — “biblical” comes to mind.  

Others always came first with Judy.

So, it was tragically coincidental that I learned of Judy’s passing a few hours before receiving a necropsy report on a local coyote who was the victim of rodenticide poisoning. I learned from Judy’s relentless dedication to advocating for coyotes (and banning rodenticides) that the state lab could verify how animals perished. My first experience with the lab was guided by Judy, who permitted the use of her account, and as I recall, Judy paid for the testing.

Judy’s generosity, on every level, was genuine, automatic, and without any pretense. Judy was the first in and the last out. As an advocate, Judy never asked anyone to do what she would not do herself. Judy walked the walk even at the risk of her safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Her exceptional sensitivity was never dulled — Judy did feel others’ pain. Certainly, too deeply and devastatingly at times. Her energy and enthusiasm are still epic. Judy was as delicate as she was enduring as a true warrior for animals and wildlife.

Judy did find safety and solace in animal companionship that was the same honesty and love she felt for others that was not always matched as completely as it was given.

It is a fair statement that Judy’s true heart and willingness to coexist was brutalized by her detractors, opponents, and the dark forces she fearlessly engaged. These took a toll. These often contributed to isolation, introspection, and stress that was undeserved.

(Certain aspects of her community of Corrales made her life needlessly complicated. This is a blight upon those elements in the community contributing to difficult consequences for someone so willing to coexist and be a good friend and neighbor.)

The upside to the downside of our combined struggles to add value and needed compassion to our society is the presence of graced individuals like Judy Paulsen. Who left too soon but not before establishing a legacy of dedication and compassion driven by love and optimism.

I will miss the protesting, the driving, tabling, strategizing, problem solving, conversations, emails, texting, companionship, and knowing that there are far better people out there who continually encourage and inspire us to be better friends, guardians, and positive examples of our species.

This is far too little and far too late. But another good lesson from Judy—not to wait to do the right things, recognize the special people in our lives, and let them know we love and support them.

Thank you, Judy.

(I know your exceptional service came at a significant cost of psychic space, compassion, personal comfort, and health.)

 ~ Joe Newman, Project Coyote Creative Associate