A small dog died protecting its owners from a puma (7 photos + 1 video)
In Boulder, USA, a pet saved its owners at the cost of its own life. On Friday, July 25, at about 9:00 p.m., Taulere and Arron Appel went for a walk with their little dog Bodhi. Suddenly, a puma appeared on their path. 
“It was dark, we turned on the flashlight,” Taulere shared. “Bodhi was on a leash. We were walking on the sidewalk, this is our usual route. Suddenly, a puma appeared.”
The predator grabbed the dog.
"He was ten pounds, he was our little baby." 
"The puma grabbed Bodhi and I still had the leash," Arron continued. "I screamed, but she was already running away with Bodhi in her mouth."
The owner admitted that if it weren't for his poor puppy, the predator would have attacked him.
"I knew I couldn't get any closer because I would be the next victim."
Animal protection workers found the dog's remains in the backyard of a neighboring house.
Police say mountain lion attacks are rare, but residents are advised to stay away. And if you do encounter one, stay calm and try to appear as big as possible.
"If a mountain lion is aggressive, throw sticks or rocks at it, don't turn your back or bend over. If it attacks, try to stand up and fight back."
Boulder police are asking residents to be vigilant on the streets after an attack. The animal returned to the area on Saturday.
The Appels hope their beloved dog's death will serve as a lesson to others.
"Towlere and I don't want anyone to go through this. We're worried about the kids. When you leave your child in the yard, you think they're safe. We don't want to scare anyone, but people need to know."
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has attempted to relocate the big cat.
"The cougar was in a difficult area to reach with a tranquilizer dart," said Parks and Wildlife officer Kara Van Hoos. "We are continuing to monitor and hope to mount another relocation attempt."
Mountain lions are especially active at dusk. They may attack if they think a dog is easy prey.
"Cougars are large and powerful. They can take on dogs of any size. I've seen them hunt alpacas. "It's not so much physical strength that's important, but the ability to attack," Van Hoos added.
