Tripp, John and Tanessa's family dog, was attacked by a black bear while saving John's life. The bear caused severe injuries to Tripp's head and stomach causing extensive surgery. Tanessa is like a daughter to me and I know this has already cost their family over two thousand dollars in addition to Tripp needing considerable follow-up care in his recovery. We are asking for help to cover his medical expenses. If there is any money leftover after Tripp is cleared from the vet, they will be donating that to another family pet in need. If you can help monetarily or with prayer, all of those that love Tripp will greatly appreciate it.

Tripp saved John's life! He is a true hero! Thank God they both made it out alive.

Below is copy of Tripp and John's story, as told by Tanessa on her FB page.

"This is really difficult to share and has been a lot to try and process. I’m still in complete disbelief and shock, but I know how many of our family and friends love our Trippy boy.

Yesterday turned into something I don’t think any of us will ever forget. While Brooke, Brie, Tim and his boys, and I were all at Hunter’s Safety finishing up our field and range tests, John decided to take Tripp on a hike. Normally, John always carries some form of protection, but of course the one time he didn’t… the most traumatizing thing happened.

Near Little Rock (Capital Forest), a black bear suddenly charged John on the trail, rearing up just feet away with paws in the air (John said he could reach out and touch the nose). We assume there were cubs nearby. With little time to think — and no protection on him — John grabs a small log, “gets big”, and begins yelling as loud as he can. That’s when Tripp came tearing out of the woods, barking like crazy and throwing himself at the bear. The bear comes down and tripp is able to chase him off. In the chaos, the bear turned on Tripp in the brush. John could hear his cries but couldn’t see him. He called and called until finally, Tripp fought his way back onto the trail ahead of John, badly injured but still moving toward the car.

Now John is between Tripp and the bear. He ran, then stopped to turn and face it as it charged again, the bear gaining ground each time before backing off. This cat-and-mouse chase continued until, finally, they both made it back to the car — “safe,” though Tripp clearly very hurt.

I didn’t even know any of this was happening until after I finished my tests, but I want to take a moment to thank my cousin Pam, Andrea, and the rest of thr incredible people at Sherman Valley Ranch yesterday who immediately jumped in to help John and Tripp — cleaning wounds, keeping them calm, and getting the emergency vet lined up. And to BluePearl Emergency Vet Hospital — they were all hands on deck to save Tripp’s life, and we are so, so grateful.

Tripp’s injuries are serious. His scalp was torn open (skull visible), he has a deep abdominal wound, and deep bites scarily close to major arteries in his neck/jugular and many other punctures and stitches all over his entire body. He has not whined or cried once since coming home, after 12 or more hours at the emergency room, but the pain is definitely showing in his eyes. Our brave boy is still fighting. We are so proud of him but so devastated about his injuries.

This morning, he gave us tail wags, finally ate and drank water, and even asked for his favorite — Cool Whip on the side He’s not out of the woods yet and may need more surgery, but he’s here and with us. And we are beyond grateful.

Tripp is our hero. He saved John’s life yesterday without any question. He just took action with no fear. The purest love and loyalty to exist.

Please keep him in your thoughts as he heals — and let this also be a reminder to all of us: always be aware in the woods, and whenever possible, carry some form of protection. Nature can change in an instant."