A woman from Glendale is sounding the alarm after a mountain lion snatched her beloved Shih Tzu, Declan, right from her doorway.
“Declan was vibrant, playful, and just had this amazing personality that everyone adored,” Laura McVeigh shared. “Losing a pet is always tough, but it hits harder when it’s a sweet soul like him.”
The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. near the Verdugo Mountains as she was bringing her 5-and-a-half-year-old dog back inside. Declan was only a couple of feet from the door when, suddenly, a strong creature leapt out.
McVeigh described the moment as both startling and terrifying, realizing the mountain lion had its jaws around her little dog.
“It was incredibly powerful,” she recounted, noting how she screamed and pulled on Declan’s leash, trying to fend off the big cat. Unfortunately, the mountain lion was too strong and pulled Declan into the nearby hills.
Shocked and adrenaline-fueled in the moment, McVeigh later reflected on the incident and acknowledged how perilous it truly was.
“If I could give any guidance, I’d suggest carrying something for protection—something to help shield both you and your pets,” she advised. “Even if it just saves one life, that would be worth it.”
Wildlife officials recommend that residents steer clear of walking their pets at night, keep them on leashes, and stay alert while in foothill areas.
