For some, adopting a dog is about companionship and the love and friendship that they can provide. Others seek more of a working dog that can help them complete a job or offer protection for their family.
A dog named Morocho took his role as protector so seriously that he didn’t hesitate to spring into action to fight off a fearsome Puma. The wildcat was chasing his human sister and her friend as they picked figs from a tree on their family farm.
The afternoon started with the Martines family enjoying some time together with a few friends on their farm. After a while of enjoying each other’s company, their daughter Sophie and her friend Yoli decided to venture across the farm to the fig trees. Figs are Yoli’s favorite fruit, and she knew exactly where to find them.
Luckily, the pair didn’t dash off alone. Morocho, the family’s Dogo Argentino, accompanied them on their adventure.
Since it wasn’t their first time foraging for figs, the girls knew that the tastiest treats would be found at the top of the trees. So without hesitation, Yoli started to climb in pursuit of the finest fruits. But as she ascended, they heard noises from high up in the branches. It turns out that Yoli wasn’t the only one who had decided to climb that particular tree.
A puma was perched in the upper branches and had spotted both Sophie and Yoli. The puma is one of the largest predators in South America and could have easily injured or even killed both girls.
As Yoli did her best to descend the branches, fear got the best of her, and she lost her footing. She fell to the ground and landed flat on her back. But she didn’t lay there long, and both girls ran back toward their families as fast as they could.
With a puma in hot pursuit, they screamed as they ran back towards the heart of the farm. Morocho didn’t hesitate to go on the offensive and did his absolute best to protect his pack members.
Assuming the commotion was over a snake, Yoli’s father ran as fast as he could towards the girls’ screams. He saw Morocho lying on the ground, having sustained some serious injuries. Thankfully he was still alive. But the puma didn’t fare as well. Its lifeless body was lying nearby.
The Dogo Argentino, sometimes called the Argentinian Mastiff or the Argentine Dogo, is a breed developed in Argentina primarily to exhibit the strength, power, and bravery required for big-game hunting. They are large, powerful, and athletic, yet they are well-known for being gentle protectors who are “lovey-dovey” with their families.
Thank goodness the girls had super-protective and powerful Morocho by their sides!
Toledo, United States.
