My name is Rachel Moscon and I’ve started this Gofundme for my friend of 20 years, Mallory, and her husband, Jeff. They survived a devastating and unprovoked bear attack at their home in rural Northern California on September 19. Their beloved French Bulldog, Cassie, was gravely injured while protecting them and tragically died from her injuries two days later.

Jeff followed Cassie outside and was suddenly attacked by a cinnamon bear. During the attack, Cassie threw herself between Jeff and the bear in an effort to protect him. Mallory awoke to the sounds of the attack and ran outside to help them, at which point the bear turned on her as well. Jeff suffered two broken ribs and numerous bite and claw wounds, while Mallory sustained serious injuries to her head and face, and other bite and puncture wounds. Both are now facing continued medical treatment and recovery.

Mallory and Jeff have built their lives and livelihood surrounded by nature. They operate a small hospitality business, have years of experience living and working alongside wildlife, and take precautions to peacefully coexist with the animals that share their land. They are passionate animal lovers, which has made this extraordinarily rare encounter and the loss of Cassie heartbreaking on so many levels. Cassie was a deeply loved member of their family, and in the moment Jeff needed her most, this little dog courageously put herself between him and a bear.

In the aftermath, Mallory and Jeff have been forced to cancel guest reservations while they recover and cooperate with the ongoing wildlife investigation. As self-employed business owners, there are no paid sick days or bereavement leave to fall back on—the time they need to physically heal and grieve also means time without income. At the same time, they are facing medical care, emergency veterinary expenses, property damage, and the cost of hiring help for work they are physically unable to do.

If you are able to help Mallory and Jeff through this incredibly difficult time, any donation will help give them the time and resources they need to heal, grieve Cassie, and eventually rebuild the life and business they love. If you cannot donate, sharing their story would mean so much. Thank you for helping them through a tragedy none of us could ever have imagined.

The funds are being deposited into a designated bank account which is being handled by a trusted family member who is managing the distribution of the donated funds to cover Cassie’s emergency medical expenses, ongoing medical and travel expenses for Mallory and Jeff, property repair, replacement and clean up and living expenses while they are unable to operate their small business.