California (WHAS11 editors) -- Sophie, the malti-poo, and 7-month-old, Lulu, were in the backyard of their California home when a coyote tried to attack the younger dog. Sophie came to the rescue fending off the coyote but was injured in the process.
"The minute that it came to defending a dog smaller than herself, she was there and she was on it. And I think a lot of animals are like that. They jump into action when they are protecting someone that they love," Jessica Gerke, Helen Woodward Animal Center employee, said.
Sophie and Lulu are both expected to be OK, but their owner gave them up after the attack - fearing it may happen again.
Lulu was quickly adopted - Sophie is still up for adoption.
