Eva’s family announced the hero dog’s death in an Instagram post.
DAVIS, Calif. (AP) — A dog credited with defending her owner from a mountain lion attack in Northern California last month died unexpectedly on Wednesday.
The 2½-year-old Belgian Malinois named Eva started having seizures last weekend at home in Trinity County, her owner, Erin Wilson, told The Sacramento Bee.
Eva was taken to the animal hospital at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, but her condition deteriorated.
"She just never woke up," Wilson told the newspaper.
Wilson in mid-May was walking along the Trinity River with Eva a few yards ahead when a mountain lion lunged and scratched Wilson.
"I yelled 'Eva!' and she came running," Wilson said in a subsequent interview. "And she hit that cat really hard."
Eva and the mountain lion fought briefly until the cougar clamped its jaws on Eva's head. Wilson and another woman beat the lion and finally forced it to flee by using pepper spray.
Eva suffered skull fractures and other injuries. She was released from a veterinary clinic several days later.
Wilson on Wednesday updated a GoFundMe page she had started to raise money for veterinary bills.
"We said goodbye," she wrote. "We love you Eva. You're my whole world."
These 10 houseplants are safe for your pet
Keeping pets safe while adding beauty
One way to watch over your furry friends is to choose pet-friendly houseplants for your home.
While houseplants have the ability to bring life to a room and purify the air, a drawback is that many houseplants are toxic to animals. Here are 10 plants that add beauty to your home without worry.
First, keep in mind that while many plants are technically safe for cats and dogs, it’s best to eliminate temptation and place all houseplants out of reach. This will prevent possible tummy aches and digestive problems in your pets. If a pet ever does ingest a plant, make sure to watch them closely for signs of a negative reaction. Just because a plant is nontoxic for cats and dogs doesn’t mean ingesting it will make them feel good.
African violet
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Want pet-safe houseplants with blooms? Look no further than African violet. This versatile, hardworking houseplant is right at home with your pets. It comes in a range of purple hues, and it’s low maintenance and thrives without bright light.
Aluminum plant
The variegated gray-and-green leaves of this plant make it an attractive option for the home. It’s one of many great easy-care houseplants safe for pets.
Christmas cactus
Unlike their dangerous holiday counterpart amaryllis, Christmas cacti are not poisonous for pets like cats and dogs. The cactus may cause intestinal discomfort if ingested, but overall it’s a safer choice than many other festive plants.
Friendship plant
This plant is named for the ease with which it can be divided and shared—so if you happen to receive such a gift, rest assured it’s safe for your cats and dogs. But beware, pets may be especially drawn to the fuzzy, crinkly leaves.
Certain kinds of herbs
Indoor herb gardens are an easy, fun way to add fresh flavor to your cooking. But not all herbs are created equal when it comes to pet safety. Standards like lavender and oregano are off-limits, but pets are fine around basil, sage and thyme.
Peperomia
This quirky plant has blooms that resemble tubes of lipstick, and is safe for cats and dogs alike. A native of the tropics, it thrives in bright light and loves being outside in the warmer months.
Parlor palm
This is the perfect solution for pet owners looking to add a small tree indoors. Safe for cats and dogs, it’s also great for green-thumb beginners.
Polka dot plant
This plant is perfect for adding a fun splash of pattern to miniature gardens, terrariums, mixed containers and more. Available in colors such as white and pink, it’s as versatile as it is whimsical.
Prayer plant
Topping out at 6 to 8 inches, this plant is ideal for small spaces such as bookshelves and end tables. Its red, cream and green leaves curl up at night, giving it its name. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest houseplants you can grow.
Some succulents
Many of the most popular succulents — including hens and chicks, echeveria and rosettes — aren’t problematic. However, with so many varieties on the market, it’s best to research each individual plant.
