A heroic French bulldog sacrificed himself to save his owners during a bear attack in Northern California earlier this month.
The couple was seriously injured, but survived the September 19 attack. However, their beloved dog Cassie was injured and died two days later.
The couple — identified as Trinity County residents Mallory and Jeff Wilson by the San Francisco Chronicle, which first reported the incident — declined The Times’ request for an interview.
However, they sent a written statement through a longtime friend who created an online fundraiser for the couple.
“Cassie was deeply loved and her loss has been devastating,” their statement read. “Right now our priority is to recover physically, grieve her and try to get back to some sense of normalcy.”
According to the fundraising website, Jeff Wilson was outside the couple’s home when he was suddenly attacked by a cinnamon bear.
The dog “threw itself between Jeff and the bear in an attempt to protect him,” according to the page. The commotion woke Mallory, who ran outside to help. The bear then attacked her in turn.
Jeff suffered two broken ribs and several bite and claw injuries, while Mallory suffered severe head and facial injuries, as well as bite and puncture wounds.
The fundraiser, which raised more than $15,000 as of Friday evening, will be used to cover medical care, veterinary bills and property damage. Because the couple are independent owners of a small hospitality business, they had to cancel guest reservations as they recovered, and they did not pay sick or bereavement leave, according to the fundraiser.
In their statement to the Times, the couple said they had “tremendous love and respect for the animals” in the area and were cooperating with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Peter Tira, a spokesman for Fish and Wildlife, declined to comment because the investigation is active.
A cinnamon bear is a type of black bear. According to Fish and Wildlife, encounters with black bears resulting in human injury are rare in California.
Most black bear “attacks” are actually defensive actions and usually occur when an animal is protecting its cubs, surprised or frightened, according to the department.
But attacks happen. Earlier this year, a bear burst through the window of a San Bernardino County home and scratched the face and chest of a 19-year-old.
To avoid encounters with bears, Fish and Wildlife recommends removing unsecured food from cars and tents, using bear-resistant food containers or bear lockers, and disposing of trash regularly.
Don’t run if you encounter a black bear, authorities say. Instead, keep a safe distance, back away slowly, and let the bear know you’re there by making yourself appear larger and shouting or clapping. If he makes contact, fight back then call authorities, according to the department.
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