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Dog undergoes surgery after cougar attack
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By: ctvbc.ca
Date: Monday Jan. 4, 2010 6:36 PM PT
An 18-month-old golden retriever credited with saving a boy from a cougar attack in Boston Bar, B.C., this past weekend underwent surgery Monday to repair wounds inflicted by the cougar.
Angel suffered numerous puncture wounds to her face, neck and legs, and a swollen eye, after she jumped in to protect 11-year-old Austin Forman from the charging cougar outside his home.
The cougar was later shot and killed by an RCMP officer.
Angel arrived at the Sardis Animal Hospital in Chilliwack on Monday to undergo surgery. Her prognosis is good and she could return home as soon as Tuesday.
"Golden retrievers are pretty stoic, they're loyal and faithful, and certainly this one has shown a lot of courage," veterinarian Dr. John Anvik told CTV News.
"She's absolutely a hero."
The Forman family has been inundated with media inquiries from around the world, including from NBC's Today Show, Inside Edition, and a television station in the United Kingdom.
The incident was the second cougar encounter last week in the province. On Thursday, a seven-year-old boy in Danskin, in northern B.C., was attacked by a cougar.
His mother ran outside and managed to scare the cougar away.
The boy suffered head injuries. He returned to school on Monday.
With files from CTV British Columbia's Julia Foy
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Wolf/Dog lover |
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Wish the best for the young man and his hero. Another reason to treet your dogs and animal good. Hope Angel is doing good and many years to live a nice and healthy life.:) |
Jim-Surrey |
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Dogs have always been labeled as mans best friend and here is a prime example. I am sure this family especially the lad will give this dog the love it deserves for the rest of it's life. Glad to see both are doing well and hopefully the boy doesn't get inflicted with nightmares over the whole ordeal. It would appear the wild cats are hungry and searching for food so this should be a warning to northern residence to keep their eyes open and maybe keep an eye on their kids and pets this winter. It is still early in the year and more attacks could be to come. |
pete |
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Good girl. Labs are the best. Speedy recovery. |
Max |
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If this incident took place on Saturday evening I am wondering why the owners of this hero dog waited until Monday to take her to the vet. This dog deserves better! |
sharon - Kelowna |
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So impressed with the maturity of this young man, after such an ordeal. You really do have an "Angel" - thank goodness she was with you. Many are hoping for a speedy recovery. Best wishes to you both... |
Dawg |
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Let's see your tabby do that |
tob |
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This amazing display of true and "real" trust and love should be something "humans" look at because very few "so called civilized" people would do the same thing for another. We as a race should realize that the true "animals" are humans. This dog is a true hero and did so only out of loyalty...Those that hurt animals should be shot..see michael Vick. |
spesh in victoria |
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Yup… just another 'dumb animal' as some would say. I also agree with Max. Why did Angel's owners wait until Monday to take her to the vet? What were they waiting for? It's not like [looking at the pics of Angel after the attack] there could be ANY doubt that she needed and DESERVED immediate medical attention. What else did they want her (Angel) to do? Tap dance? |
lvh |
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Could someone - family or news media - please tell us where exactly Angel lives and what she needs? Today's earlier story stirred close to 100 comments, many regarding Angel's living conditions. What is the story, please? Victoria, BC |
Rev Barbara MacLennan |
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Quickly I was reading the comment about these folks not getting their dog to the vet until Monday...I don't know whether the writer has lived in such a place as Boston Bar...but it is small and even vets have days off! Monday was pretty good considering it happened later Saturday. I also hope that the officials in Boston Bar are planning on giving angel a medal of valor. Police dogs get them for less acts of valor (and I'm not saying they don't deserve them!)and this dog proved the wonderful qualities of goldens...thank God that their dog loved their boy and he treated her well...so well that she almost gave her life for him. Thank you for sharing this story it is a wonderful and uplifting message of hope and heart at a time when we need to hear it. |
Les Schofer |
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Our sheltie did the same thing when a strange German Shepherd attacked our 12 year old daughter 13 years ago. Like the dog in this news story, our sheltie, "Kelly," attacked the hostile dog, and put herself between the Shepherd and our daughter. Kelly suffered puncture wounds around her neck; our daughter was untouched. Four years ago the constant companionship of Kelly really helped me through my cancer chemo and surgery. |
Mark Sommers |
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I didn't know Cougars were going after animals now. I thought they attacked young men. |
Peggy Casper |
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What a great story of the love between a dog and a little boy! |
Love my dog |
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Why did it take these people so long to get this dog medical attention? They waited for a film crew and a photo op and this poor creature didnt even have the blood wiped off him. Shame on them -this hero should have been rushed to the vet immediately-bu no.. they waited until Monday... appears infection had set in and one side of the face was swollen. Not impressed with the owners. Seems they wanted the their 15 mins of fame... but who cares about the dog! |
Grace |
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I was in tears when I heard this story. I am glad that both the child and dog are doing well. We are all here to help if you need assistance with the vet bills. |
Pat in the Valley |
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Angel - you are a courageous, loyal dog and everyone is so proud of you. The Forman family is indeed so very lucky to have you in their family. I can guarantee you that Dr. Jack Anvik of Saris Vet. is the BEST and he'll make you feel 100% better. Get well soon. |
Doug @ BC |
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Ya gotta love dogs.If you've never had one as a member of your family,you'll never know just how loyal they are.And they seem to be particularly fond of children. As to "Max's" concern,your point seems a little judgemental given the shortage of facts in the article.When I first read about the incident,the dog's injuries were described as being minor,and the dog was up and running around right away. Perhaps before describing the treament this dog is getting as poor,you might want to temper your anger and your accusation with a presentation of some facts to back them up.I would be both surprised,and angered if this dog got anything other than the best treament possible under he circumstances.She's likely to be the Queen of the roost in that home for a very long time. |
Suzanne T (Lower Mainland) |
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Dawg: You've obviously never seen my tabby! :-) |
Larry |
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Angel should be treated with better kennel and a proper shelter. the video is showing she is being cramped up into a small doggie cage. I won't not let my dogs to live in that condition , not especially now that she is a 'HERO'. |
Max = Not Read |
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Max learn to read, they did not take him in on Monday, he finally had surgery monday. Think before you make such an asinine comment. |
O.V. |
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Angel had to wait 2 days to go to the vet.?what was the reason to wait that long? |
Joyce |
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You have been blessed to have a dog like Angel. Keep Angel close to your hearts and treat her like a Queen. She deserves all the best for saving a boys life. She has shown she is loyal and to give her life if needed. I hope the boy and family show their loyality to her for the rest of her life by taking good care of her and making sure she has a good loving home forever. |
Michelle |
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Angel is an Awesome friend,and hero I sure hope she lives inside the house with you. |
goofydg1 |
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great story. would like to see a follow up to make sure the dog is ok. |
Lily |
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I am another who doesn't understand why the dog obviously slept outdoors (hence, the cage) and possibly even slept outdoors the night of her attack. And yes, Boston Bar is far away from big cities and vets, but if news crews could get there so quickly, couldn't the "hero" be driven or airlifted to a 24-hour vet clinic somewhere in BC, courtesy of CBC or another? In any case, she's been treated now but hopefully she will have a nice indoor life from now on if more of us help the family to realize that this dog should not be living outdoors! I think this "neglect" should be brought to the media's attention!! |
Rosemary |
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A delightful ending for this adorable dog! But you know...Dr.J Anvik is rather nice too.....wonder...is he married? hmmm R. |
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