An Arizona woman, Liz Shidler, is recounting a traumatic incident that left her with severe injuries after she was attacked by a dog she was fostering. The incident, which occurred on July 8, saw the previously stray dog, Benny, lash out, ultimately resulting in Shidler needing emergency surgery and an extended rehabilitation period.
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Shidler, a resident of Tempe, has been fostering animals for nearly five years. She initially welcomed Benny into her home approximately a month before the attack. According to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Benny had been a stray and was on the euthanasia list before being transferred to a partner programme known as New Hope, which assists shelter animals. Officials stated that Benny had exhibited no previous behavioural issues.
On the day of the incident, Shidler was caring for Benny as well as three other dogs. While in her backyard, Benny started to attack one of the other dogs, prompting Shidler to intervene and attempt to bring him to her bedroom. The situation quickly escalated when Benny turned on Shidler, gripping her arm tightly. “I actually almost lost my left arm,” Shidler recalled in an interview with local CBS affiliate KTVK. She became aware of the severity of her situation when she subsequently lost a significant amount of blood due to an artery tear.
Shidler struggled to call for help as she found her blood flow interfering with her ability to stay on the line. The aftermath of the attack saw her requiring four days of hospitalisation and emergency surgery. Currently, she finds herself in a precarious position, living with a friend who helps her with daily activities, including getting ready and preparing meals. “I can’t even put my hair in a ponytail. I can’t do anything,” she expressed.
The attack has placed Shidler under considerable financial strain as she has been declared unemployed following the incident, having faced a denial of her unemployment claim. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with her living expenses and rehabilitation costs, highlighting the lengthy recovery process Shidler faces, which is expected to keep her from returning to work for at least a year. According to the fundraiser, her current need for assistance includes help with basic daily tasks such as dressing and personal hygiene.
In sharing her story, Shidler hopes to raise awareness among other foster volunteers regarding the potential risks of bringing these animals into their homes. “We forget our boundaries when we think with our heart. And that leads to this stuff. And I don’t want that to happen,” she cautioned, reflecting on the challenges that can arise from fostering animals.
As of the latest updates, there has been no available information regarding Benny’s current status or whether any measures will be undertaken to address the behavioral issues that surfaced during the incident. Shidler’s situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with animals and the potential dangers that can accompany the fostering process.
While rekindling her own recovery, Shidler appears determined to ensure that others are equipped with the knowledge to navigate similar situations safely. Her experience signifies the importance of awareness and preparation for those considering fostering dogs or other animals, particularly those with unknown histories.
The community and animal welfare groups will likely be monitoring Shidler’s recovery and the fallout from this incident closely, as it raises important questions about fostering practices and how to better safeguard volunteers from unexpected dangers.