A French bulldog named Cassie died three days after bravely putting herself between her owner and a bear during a terrifying attack at her family's California home. The dog's actions left her owners, Jeff and Mallory Wilson, with serious injuries but saved them from worse harm.
Attack unfolds at family home
The ordeal began on September 19 when Cassie started barking after hearing a commotion in the garden, prompting Jeff to open the door to investigate. A bear suddenly leapt out from behind the patio furniture and mauled Jeff, knocking him to the ground. Mallory rushed outside to help but was also attacked, suffering serious injuries to her face and body.
During the encounter, the bear clamped its jaws around Cassie, who had rushed to protect Jeff. Desperate to save their dog, the couple threw chairs and patio heaters at the animal until it eventually released her.
Injuries and loss
Jeff suffered two broken ribs and several bite wounds, while Mallory sustained serious injuries to her head and face, as well as other bite and puncture wounds. The couple rushed Cassie into emergency surgery after she suffered multiple severe bite wounds and deep cuts along her spine. Despite initially showing signs of recovery, being able to walk and drink water on her own two days after the attack, Cassie tragically died from her injuries the following day.
Rachel Moscon, a friend of the couple for 20 years, said: “Cassie was a deeply loved member of their family and in the moment Jeff needed her most, this little dog courageously put herself between him and a bear.”
Community support
Heartbroken Mallory told Redheaded Blackbelt: “She was never meant to be a hero, she was not our guard dog. She was just our sweet indoor lap baby.” Jeff believes the bear may have become frightened after finding itself cornered between the couple's small fence and an open gate.
The couple had built their lives around nature and had years of experience living and working alongside wildlife, according to Rachel. She added: “[They] take precautions to peacefully co-exist with the animals that share their land. They are passionate animal lovers, which has made this extraordinarily rare encounter and the loss of Cassie heartbreaking on so many levels.”
Rachel has since set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Jeff and Mallory's ongoing medical treatment and recovery, as well as the financial impact the attack has had on their business. The fundraiser has since raised over $12,000 towards the $16,000 target.
