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Hero Dog Saves Owners From Mountain Lion

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted May 6, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – A hero mutt was seriously injured yesterday when he tackled a mountain lion charging his owners in a California park, reports KNBC-TV. "Out of nowhere a mountain lion just charged us. I noticed my dog notice him. He met him right there in the middle and saved my life," said owner William Morse, who was walking with his wife. The powerful cat's 7-second attack on the black shepherd-mix Hoagy "was just brutal," added Morse.

Hoagy underwent extensive surgery and is expected to survive. Park officials were unable to locate the mountain lion. They plan to kill the animal if it's found because the cat exhibited no fear of humans. Morse picked out Hoagy at an animal shelter. "He's about five years old and just man's best friend," Morse said. "You couldn't ask for a better dog. I'm just traumatized. I didn't think he was going to make it."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Cougar ready to pounce (©Harlequeen)

Shepherd-mix Hoagy underwent four hours of surgery after he was ripped open in a mountain lion attack in a Southern California park. (©digitalART2)

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My dog, Hoagy, is pretty traumatized at this time. I don't think I'll ever go back up there to visit the area again. - Hoagy's owner William Morse

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