We know dogs are incredible. Their loyalty and bravery never cease to amaze us. This dog, however, takes a canine’s best traits to a whole new level! In a remarkable display of devotion, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois named Eva demonstrated extraordinary bravery when a mountain lion attacked her owner during a hike. Eva, the family dog, showcased unparalleled courage and loyalty by putting herself directly in harm’s way. Erin Wilson and Eva were hiking along the Trinity River in Northwestern California when an unforeseen encounter with a mountain lion occurred. The predator ambushed Erin, causing minor injuries and triggering an immediate and valiant response from Eva.
Despite the mountain lion’s significant size advantage, Eva did not hesitate to engage the animal in a fierce battle, aiming to protect Erin. As Erin scrambled to find a weapon, she returned with a tire iron to aid Eva. Erin struck the mountain lion in an attempt to save her beloved dog. The confrontation reached a critical point when the mountain lion bit down on Eva’s head, causing severe injuries including skull fractures and a punctured sinus cavity.
By chance, passing drivers intervened, using pepper spray to deter the mountain lion. Despite making it to the animal hospital, Eva faced a challenging road to recovery. Erin initiated a fundraising campaign to help manage the financial burden of Eva’s extensive medical needs. For days, Eva remained under heavy sedation to alleviate skull pressure and swelling, impairing her vision.
Eva showed signs of improvement following her treatment, resuming her daily walks and activities with Erin without showing any lingering effects of the ordeal. However, Erin’s worst fears materialized when Eva suffered from sudden seizures, leading to a rapid decline in her health. Eva entered a coma, unresponsive to any external stimuli, and ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
Erin was left heartbroken by the loss of Eva, whose heroic actions had not only saved her life but also epitomized the selfless bond between humans and their pets. Eva’s memory lives on as a testament to her incredible bravery and the protective instincts that define the loyal companionship of dogs. Eva, the guardian angel who made the ultimate sacrifice, will forever be cherished and remembered.
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Feature image courtesy of eva_the_mal/Instagram