A Northern Californian woman says that her dog defended her as she was being attacked by a mountain lion.

She and her dog, Eva, were hiking four hours outside of Sacramento when a mountain lion lunged at them.

55-pound Eva jumped at the cat and fought and struggled until the owner managed to be able to scare it off with pepperspray.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with bills for Eva, who will now be spoiled with toys and a steak dinner.