Mountain Lion Snatches Glendale Woman's Beloved Shih Tzu

Laura McVay warns others to be on alert after her dog Declan was killed just feet from her home's front door.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Glendale nurse practitioner is grieving the loss of her 5-year-old shih tzu, Declan, after a mountain lion attacked and dragged the dog away just feet from her home's front door. Laura McVay said she tried to scare the cougar away but it was too strong, and the cat pulled Declan from his leash and disappeared into the nearby foothills.

Why it matters

Mountain lion sightings and attacks on pets are rare but concerning in the Glendale area, which is located near the foothills. This incident highlights the need for residents to be vigilant and take precautions when walking their dogs, especially at night, to avoid similar tragic encounters.

The details

McVay said she had taken Declan out for his final walk of the night around 11:30 p.m. on Monday when the attack occurred just feet from her front door. She tried to scare the mountain lion away by yelling and making herself appear larger, but the cat was too strong and pulled Declan from his leash, dragging him back into the nearby foothills. McVay was left in shock and grief after the incident.

  • The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • McVay filed a report with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after the incident.

The players

Laura McVay

A Glendale nurse practitioner who works in palliative care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was the owner of the shih tzu that was killed by the mountain lion.

Declan

McVay's 5 1/2-year-old brown shih tzu who was killed by the mountain lion in the attack.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency that McVay filed a report with after the mountain lion attack on her dog.

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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, Glendale Nurse Practitioner (Los Angeles Times)

“If I can give any advice, it's to carry a bat or weapon to protect you and your animal. If I can save at least one life, that will help me make this right.”

— Laura McVay, Glendale Nurse Practitioner (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

McVay said she wishes she had taken Declan into the backyard instead of going for a walk, and she is encouraging other Glendale residents to be vigilant and carry protection when walking their pets, especially at night, to avoid similar mountain lion encounters.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder that mountain lions, while rare, do inhabit the foothills around Glendale and can pose a threat to pets. It highlights the need for increased awareness and precautions among local residents to keep both themselves and their animal companions safe.