While taking a relaxing hike on the Santa Ana Mountain trails with their dog, a mountain lion charged the family. “Out of nowhere, a mountain lion just charged us, attacked us. And my dog saved our lives,” William Morse said of his dog, Hoagie.

Hoagie was rescued by his family from an animal shelter, and he definitely returned the favor. When the mountain lion charged, he jumped in front of his owners and was prepared to do what it takes to keep them safe.

The black Labrador mix defended his owners by fighting back, protecting them. Although he was seriously injured, after his four hour surgery Hoagie is now doing well.

Orange County sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino says the dog put up the fight of his life. “I’m sure that lion was hurt, too,” he said.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 7th, 2009 at 12:25 am and is filed under Heroic Pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.