Buzz
During the late 1940s, Fred Borsch unexpectedly became the caretaker of a unique pet after agreeing to raise a stray.
In 1947, Ollie Wiswell, a resident of Deadwood, discovered a coyote pup at Custer Peak. Despite the bounty on coyotes during that era, Wiswell couldn’t harm the young creature and instead decided to bring her home. Borsch, who resided in Galena but operated a liquor store in Deadwood, along with his wife Esther, adopted the pup and named her "Tootsie."
Courtesy of Jeff Jacobsen and Jeri Fahrni
Similar to other coyotes, Tootsie loved to howl—but when she began, Borsch would harmonize with her, eventually teaching her to "sing" by adjusting the pitch of her howls alongside him. News of Tootsie's musical talents spread rapidly, and the once-forgotten coyote soon gained a devoted following. Borsch took her on tours across the state, participating in parades and public events. She even recorded a track with Borsch titled South Dakota Tootsie and assisted Western Airlines in launching a new route connecting Spearfish and Rapid City.
Tootsie's popularity soared to such heights that Governor George T. Mickelson declared the coyote the state animal in 1949 and even contemplated featuring her on the state license plate. (Mount Rushmore ultimately won the spot.) However, her fame extended far beyond South Dakota. Borsch embarked on a 10-state tour with Tootsie, including a visit to the White House, where she reportedly impressed President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon.
Unfortunately, Tootsie died in 1959 after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, but her legacy endures in Deadwood—if you know where to find it. One such place is a neon sign in the downtown area, honoring both Tootsie and her owner. While the sign features the singing coyote, its location commemorates Fred Borsch, whose liquor store once occupied that spot.
To experience Tootsie's unique talent, visit the Adams Museum, where you can listen to recordings of her "songs" and view photographs capturing her during her prime.
