Meet The Incredible Dog Who Saved Her Owner From A Mountain Lion Attack
Erin Wilson is celebrating her precious pup, Eva, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, and for a good reason.
According to NPR, in May 2022, Wilson decided to go on a hike with her precious pooch along the Trinity River in Northern California, where they were stalked by a mountain lion. The 24-year-old told the publication that she was “walking down the slope” while her furry friend was off-leash. When she noticed the mountain lion in the bushes, the creature “swip[ed] at her.” After hesitating for a moment due to shock, Wilson “shouted for Eva” and the dog immediately charged the creature.
According to the waitress, the mountain lion and her canine companion “tussled for a couple of seconds” before the creature grabbed the Belgian Malinois with its teeth. Wilson decided the best course of action to save her furry friend was to physically hurt the wild animal.
"My fight mode kicked in and I started picking up rocks and I was bashing in its skull as hard as I could. I didn't even feel it at the time. I knew to choke it, go for its eyes, hurt it,” recalled Wilson.
The 24-year-old then retrieved a crowbar from her nearby car and was able to convince e a stranger named Sharon Houston to help her protect her dog. Wilson and Houston, armed with a PVC pipe, repeatedly struck the mountain lion with their makeshift weapons. Eventually, the creature let Eva go.
It took Wilson an hour to get her furry friend to the vet. Once at the clinic, it was determined that the mountain lion had fractured the dog’s skull and jaw. Thankfully, Eva’s vet believes she will recover from her injuries.
While speaking to NPR, Wilson shared that she feels guilty that her pup has gone through such an ordeal.
"I'm kind of blaming myself a bit about all this. Because of her, I'm unharmed and because of me, she has two fractures in her skull and she might be blind. I knew Eva was capable of being fierce and protective. I just didn't ever think that she would have to answer the call like that. Just really hug your dogs, people. Hug your pets, hug your family,” said the waitress.
On May 20, 2022, Wilson took to Instagram to share an update on her furry friend’s condition. The photo showed the sweet girl lying in a bed next to toys.
“Eva is home and tucked in with a few new toys. She got a milkshake on the way home. Her sister is upset they can’t play,” read the caption of the post.
Over $30,000 have been donated to help the dog’s recovery.