Glendale Woman Loses Beloved Shih Tzu to Mountain Lion Attack

Laura McVay's dog Declan was snatched from her front door by a powerful predator in the Verdugo Mountains foothills.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Glendale woman named Laura McVay is grieving the loss of her beloved 5-and-a-half-year-old shih tzu named Declan, who was snatched by a mountain lion from just feet away from her front door. McVay said she was bringing Declan inside around 11:30 p.m. when the powerful predator lunged and overpowered her, dragging the tiny dog into the nearby hills despite her desperate efforts to save him.

Why it matters

Mountain lion attacks on pets are a growing concern in foothill communities like Glendale, as development encroaches on wildlife habitats. This tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness and safety precautions to protect both pets and residents in these areas.

The details

According to McVay, a nurse practitioner who works in palliative care, the mountain lion attack happened in an instant as she was bringing Declan back inside her home. She described the predator as "so strong" and said she screamed and pulled on Declan's leash, but the mountain lion overpowered her and disappeared into the nearby Verdugo Mountains with her beloved dog.

  • The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Laura McVay

A Glendale resident and nurse practitioner who works in palliative care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Declan

McVay's 5-and-a-half-year-old shih tzu dog who was killed in the mountain lion attack.

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What they’re saying

“My shih tzu was a bright light and just fun and funny and had a great personality and everyone loved and adored him. Losing a dog is always hard, but when it's such a sweet soul like he was, it's especially hard.”

— Laura McVay (Los Angeles Times)

“If I can give any advice, it's to carry something to protect you and your animal. If I can save at least one life, that will help.”

— Laura McVay (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Wildlife officials advise residents in foothill communities like Glendale to avoid walking pets at night, keep animals leashed, and remain vigilant to prevent future mountain lion attacks.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for increased awareness and safety precautions in areas where wildlife habitats and residential communities intersect. Pet owners must be extra cautious to protect their beloved companions from the dangers posed by mountain lions and other predators.