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Boy's Dog Saves Him from Cougar Attack
Filed under: In The News
A dog belonging to an 11-year-old Canadian boy gave new meaning to the cliche "man's best friend" after it ran into the path of a charging cougar and saved the boy's life.
Austin Forman of Boston Bar, British Columbia, was gathering firewood in his backyard Jan. 2 when his golden retriever, Angel, started acting strangely, according to CBC News. Angel followed his owner to and from the woodshed for several minutes, and then suddenly leaped over a lawn mower and right into the path of a cougar poised to attack.
The startled boy says his only thought was for his beloved dog.
"I knew at that moment that I would have to go get help, otherwise [Angel] wouldn't have any hope," Austin tells CBC News.
As the dog bravely fought the cougar, Austin's mom called 911. When authorities arrived, they found the cougar chewing on Angel's neck. An officer shot and killed the cougar instantly. The dog suffered puncture wounds on her neck, chest and hind quarters but is resting comfortably at home with her master.
Austin, who was unscathed in the attack, says he feels very lucky.
"If it wasn't for my dog, I don't think I would be here," he tells CBC News. "She was my best friend, but now she's more than a best friend -- she's like my guardian now."
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
1-05-2010 @ 3:30PM
Michele W said...This is a great storty and brought tears to my eyes. Dogs are the best in the world I think. I am not against cats I actualy love big cats and all animals, I work with Humane officers in my area and am in training to become one myself so I really love all animals but dogs hold a special place in my heart. Most dogs would give thier life to protect thier people. I know my golden retriever / border collie mix is very protective over my son and especially me. This boy should be very lucky to have such a great dog and you can tell he really loves the dog for what it did. This dog should get an award from purina or the humane society for saving his life. If I knew where to send it I would give the dog an award! way to go.
Reply
1-06-2010 @ 8:15PM
rstohosky said...this story is great that the dog protects his people, but why do we always have to kill the great cats? Is there a way that we can just tranquilize and move them? We are the pests that have made there forests into parks for us and so then we blame the mountain lions for trying to survive. I ask you to think about this.
1-11-2010 @ 10:09AM
Loomie said...I hear you're joining the humane society, but from what I hear they put dogs to sleep once they get their hands on them which is why I never called them when I reported a mill.... I'd work with an animal rescue team if I were you.
1-07-2010 @ 12:56PM
Somebody Whosoever said...Angel, you are your name. As well, this story brought tears to my eyes. Austin, God knew in the realm of the invisible that this dog would be just as you now know she is, a guardian angel. I am so glad that you are well and that Angel is on the road to recovery.
Angel is truly brave, and very loving. A lot of PEOPLE when ill have a very 'ill' attitude, but Angel is loving and playful even after this horrific attack as I can see when the newsman is petting her. I also believe the officer should get an award for his oh so quick response.To get there in less than a minute is record breaking. Due to Angel's injuries, had it taken any longer, there was a strong chance she would not be here. If only all emergency calls could be responded to SO QUICKLY!! May God continue to watch over you and your family Mr. and Mrs. Austin's parents and Angel's caregivers. God Bless you!!!!.
1-07-2010 @ 7:35AM
sharonp said...Dogs are such sweet devoted pets.the boy was very lucky and i hope the doggy makes a full recovery.
please help by donating to your local SPCA or human society,they really need our help.even a couple dollars or food, cat litters,toys,towels ect..
the family dollars sell big bags of dog/cat food for like 7 to 10 bucks,dollars stores have food,toys,cat litter for a dollar,every little bit helps.
if you cant take care of your pet any longer,please do not abanden them,please take them to your local shelter.
thankyou so very much.
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1-06-2010 @ 10:08PM
Michele W said...Rstohosky you are very correct. The problem I think with situations like this, the dog saved a childs life. Yes people keep going into the big cats areas but if it is going to kill a person it has to be taken care of. If there is time to tranq it then I think that should be done. If there is no time then unfortunatly some thing had to be stopped and it was the dog that saved the kid and the cougar doing the killing. I agree though that people to often move into places and then want the wild life out and that is wrong. That is why so many things are almost extinct. I even think as far as like when say tigers in a zoo kill, i dont think they should be put down for what they are born to do. We are the ones taking the chance on these animals and trying to keep them confined. They are not tame animals they kill. but some situations unfortunatly is going to end with the big cats diying. This situation I think was handled great and they had evry right to shoot it. i dont like seeing anything die but the pet did some thing noble and great to save the kid. That shows love.
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8-24-2010 @ 2:43PM
Chris said...hey loonie......the humane societies have a dirty job and they couldn't do it without the likes of you. Are all your pets spayed and neutered or are they popping out litter after litter - with no hope of every finding a home. You people who are so critical of humane societies who are FORCED to euthanize animals ought to spend a few hours watching the influx of animals being brought in and listen to the stupid reasons the "owners" have for surrendering them.
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8-24-2010 @ 6:05PM
Dusty 754 said...rstohosky 1-06-2010 @ 8:15PM
this story is great that the dog protects his people, but why do we always have to kill the great cats? Is there a way that we can just tranquilize and move them? We are the pests that have made there forests into parks for us and so then we blame the mountain lions for trying to survive. I ask you to think about this
The police are not known to carry tranquilizer equipment with them nor are they trained in calculating the correct dose. Given that the cat was attacking the dog, the police had no choice.
I guarantee that when I am in territory that is known to have Mountain Lions, I carry a firearm.
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