An eight-year-old chihuahua fended off an attack from a mountain lion while walking with his owner on a Colorado trail.
Laurie Cullum was walking with Spits on a Durango trail that they frequented on August 28 when she heard her pooch crying.
When she turned around, Cullum discovered that her dog was covered in blood and noticed a mountain lion running away.
‘I had to make a decision right there,’ Cullum explained to 9News. ‘Is he going to be able to live like this? Or can I try and save his life?’
Cullum worked to stop the bleeding quickly and rushed the dog to Durango Animal Hospital, where Dr. Charles Hawman treated him.
The Wonders of the Colorado Trail
‘The vet thought he had a chance and brought him home to his own house for 2 nights in a row to care for him throughout the night,’ Cullum added.
Spits suffered puncture wounds to the neck and head. He was bitten through his sinus and inner ear canals, resulting in some balance troubles.
Spits suffered puncture wounds to the neck and head. He was bit through his sinus and inner ear canals, resulting in some balance troubles
The dog is also now blind in one eye after surviving the attack.
‘He’s not the same dog for sure, but he’s alive and walking in straight lines now,’ Cullum explained. ‘Initially the first week he could only walk in circles.’
It is unknown how long it will take for Spits to recover. His owner is just in disbelief that such a thing could happen to them.
‘It’s so hard to believe it’s really happening,’ she stated. ‘I thought, “Oh that doesn’t happen to people like me who are so familiar with the outdoors.”‘
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has put up warning signs throughout Durango.
Source: dailymail
