They fought like big cats and dogs.
Shocking video shows a pet dog named Holly Jolly getting attacked by a mountain lion in his California yard — then fighting back to somehow live another day.
The 3-year-old schnauzer is seen on Ring camera footage casually stepping out for a bathroom break in La Verne around 9 p.m. Saturday when the cougar suddenly appears.
Holly Jolly stands alert as the snarling predator approaches — suddenly trying to dart off just for the wild animal to pounce and pin the pooch with its jaws.
“We heard a yelping and my husband said, ‘Is that Holly?’” one of the owners, only identified as Nicole, told KTLA.
“I said, ‘No, I think that’s the television,’ and he said, ‘No, I think that’s Holly.’”
After realizing the horrifying howling and crying noises were coming from their backyard, Nicole and her husband, Steve, began to scream to try to scare the mountain lion away from their 93-pound pet pooch.
“As soon as I heard how fierce the battle was, I was like there’s no way,” Steve said. “I was imagining like a skunk or something back here that she was just messing with, so then I went in and grabbed a gun.”
The terrifying attack, which lasted only about a minute, was the first time a mountain lion had come close to their family, the couple said, even though their gated community is teeming with wildlife including bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
Holly was taken to a veterinarian and treated for puncture wounds, scratches, and an injury that required stitches but her family says she is recovering well.
“She’s enjoying all the extra love, all the extra treats, all the extra attention,” Nicole said. “She’s loving it right now.”
The family shared a video of the alarming attack to warn neighbors of the danger.
“We wanted to let all of our neighbors know that this thing is out and bold enough to jump in yards and attack a dog almost the same size,” Steve said.
The family shared a video of the alarming attack to warn neighbors of the danger.
Now, Steve says he plans to accompany Holly into the backyard at night to ensure their beloved pet will remain safe.
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