French bulldog Cassie died from injuries Sept. 21 after defending Jeff and Mallory Wilson in a Sept. 19 bear attack in rural Northern California. Mallory said she believes Cassie's actions helped save their lives; both owners were injured.
Jeff suffered two broken ribs and bite and claw wounds and received 13 staples. Mallory injured her head, face and hand, received stitches, and a CT scan showed neck injuries. A GoFundMe was created to help with the couple’s unexpected medical expenses.
Their friend Marika Judi Graham said Mallory woke to screams and found the bear holding Cassie. Mallory struck the bear with patio furniture, but it knocked her down, grabbed the back of her head and fled. Mallory described Cassie as a beloved indoor lapdog, not a guard dog.
