When Morocho came face-to-face with a puma, the Dogo Argentino decided to risk his life in order to save two small girls.
According to Wikipedia, the Dogo Argentino is a large white, muscular dog that was bred in Argentina for big game hunting.
They were known to hunt wild boars. Dogo Argentinos are also specifically bred to protect their human companions.
So, that’s probably why it was easier for Morocho to take down a puma.
Antonio Nores Martinez was the first to breed Dogo Argentinos.
Then his grandson took over. Dr. Ulises D’Andrea Nores would often stop by the breeding facility to make sure his grandfather’s work was carrying on.
“When I have Dogos at my house, I feel very protected,” Carolina Cappalletti, Ulise’s wife, said.
Nores’ family was enjoying a day on their farm in 2008 with some friends when Morocho proved that grandpa’s legacy has been successful.
Cappaletti’s daughter Sofie and their friend’s daughter Yoli were playing near their favorite fig tree where they love to gather figs.
Knowing that the best figs are usually at the top of the tree, Yoli climb up to the highest branch that she could.
There was just one problem. She wasn’t the only one up in that tree.
But by the time Yoli got up in the tree, it was too late.
She had no idea that there was also a puma, also known as a mountain lion or cougar, in that same tree.
“When I saw the puma I was really scared,” she told Animal Planet.
The puma is one of the largest predators in South America weighing up to 180 lbs.
“When Yoli was about 7 feet from the ground, she started hearing noises up on the tree, like branches tweaking and leaves moving. She looked up and saw a BIG puma jumping down the upper branches,”
“The animal hit the kid with a paw and Yoli went all the way down, falling flatly on her back from 2 meters high.”
Thankfully, Yoli and Sophie were able to get up and start to run but the puma was in hot pursuit.
Thankfully, 90 lb. Morocho jumped in to protect the girls.
He didn’t hesitate before running after the puma and attacking it.
Yoli’s dad heard the girls screaming and came running as fast as he could.
“I was thinking it was a snake,” Tomas Bracamonte said. “I came running. I raced to them as fast as I could.”
When he arrived he found Morocho. The dog was badly injured but still alive. The same couldn’t be said for the puma… it was dead.
Bracamonte carried poor Morocho back to the farm.
The families were so grateful to Morocho for saving the girls.
“If it wasn’t for Morocho, we’d be hurt,” the girls explained.
It took 10 full days, but eventually, Morocho was nursed back to health.
“After that attack, Morocho became a hero here,” Cappaletti said. “Morocho has a special place in our heart because he is our protector.”
Thanks to Morocho, those two little girls are alive today.
Millions of people all over the world were shocked by Morocho’s heroic act