In a shocking and unprovoked incident, an owner was left screaming for help after her dog suddenly bit off her nose. The attack happened at her home just moments after she returned from an art class, marking the first time King, her pet of 11 years, had ever been aggressive.
Shayna Crimo, despite the severe injury and upcoming reconstructive surgeries, has chosen to continue living with King. The traumatic event occurred on January 18, shortly before another major event – the euthanasia of her nearly 13-year-old pit bull Krieo due to cancer – which took place two days after her initial surgery.
The 31-year-old expressed her deep connection with her pets to the Mirror: “These dogs literally grew up with me. I’ve had them for over a decade… they are my children essentially.
“Do I want to put King down? Absolutely f*****g not. I would rather stay home for the remainder of his life and never go anywhere, never have to have babysitters, and just be extra careful, but that’s not an option.”
Shayna, from Nevada in the US, said: “‘As soon as I went to give him a hug and a kiss, he bit me immediately. There was no growl, there was no warning, he didn’t back up, he didn’t make any noises, nothing. It happened so fast.
“I remember the sensation of being shook, which was horrible, and then I ran into the bathroom, saw what I looked like, screamed bloody murder for (her boyfriend) to call 911. I know he (King) does not like to be messed with at night time; that’s a boundary of his that I’ve respected for almost 11 years, hence why nothing like this has ever happened.
“He wasn’t laying down… he was sitting up at the edge of the bed. He’s never given any warning signs or acted aggressive or anything, being fully alert and sitting there like that.”
Shayna is still wrestling with the idea of putting King down but admits the decision weighs heavily on her emotions. She started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the various medical procedures required for her recovery after the startling incident.
The fundraiser detailed: “I just can’t believe how extreme it all is. My heart is in absolute shambles. Between the cost of the euthanasia, the multiple surgeries I will endure (I’ve only had the first so far), months of missing work, and, let’s face it, I’ll need some serious therapy. I am feeling extremely helpless for myself.
“This will be a long, long journey for myself and my loved ones. Anything will help and would be appreciated beyond measure. My heart needs the most healing of all. Prayers, please.”