In May 2022, Erin Wilson took a walk with her dog Eva in the beautiful Big Bar region, in Trinity County, California, USA.
They were walking near a picnic area by the Trinity River when the woman heard a strange noise and then felt a jaw bite into her shoulder.
What should have been a quiet afternoon
A mountain lion bit Erin in the left arm and prepared for another attack. The shocked woman called for her dog Eva, who immediately threw herself at the dangerous animal. Wilson quickly got to safety, but this was just the beginning of their troubles...
The mountain lion bit the dog in the head and wouldn't let go. Worried about her beloved pet, the petite woman began throwing stones at the animal. The mountain lion didn't give up.
Erin then returned to the main road and flagged down a passing vehicle driven by Sharon Houston. When she understood the situation, she fetched a container of pepper spray and a PVC pipe, and together they ran to the fighting animals. Unfortunately, the pepper spray had little effect. The mountain lion moved off the path, dragging the poor dog with it.
I can't live without you
Erin had no intention of giving up on her dog. She hit the mountain lion with the PVC pipe until the animal finally let go and fled. The woman quickly took her pet to VCA Asher Animal Hospital, ignoring her own injuries. Erin's husband, Connor Kenny, told SFGATE that the dog had suffered two skull fractures, a punctured sinus, severe damage to the left eye and seizures.
It was uncertain whether the dog would survive, but Erin pleaded with her dog to keep fighting: "I said, ' Stay with me, my dog. I love you. I can't live without you. Just don't go. Don't leave me."
To the rescue
After a while, Erin remembered her own injuries. In Redding, she received medical help; her injuries included bite wounds, scratches, bruises and grazes. Fortunately, they weren't life-threatening.
To cover the treatment costs, Erin started a GoFundMe fundraising campaign, which raised over $32,000 (£26,000)! The amount far exceeded the family's needs. The woman explained on Instagram what the money would be used for:
"All additional funds will be used for Eva's post-operative care, extensive pampering, ensuring her safety and quality of life, my medical bills and donations to some charities we've chosen."
A sad ending
The dog fought for her life, and thanks to the excellent care from the vets and family, she grew stronger day by day. "Eva is doing well. She's resting a lot, has an appetite and is getting back into shape," Erin wrote on Instagram. And added: "My dog is my hero. Thanks to her quick reaction, nothing serious happened to me."
Sadly, the dog passed away on 8 June 2022. We hope Eva's brave sacrifice will never be forgotten.
