Woman nearly loses arm in attack by foster dog she saved from euthanasia

TEMPE, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) — An Arizona woman fostering a dog said she nearly died after the animal attacked her, leaving her with serious injuries and unable to use her arms months later.

Liz Shidler had fostered dogs for nearly five years without a problem before she brought home a dog named Benny. Shidler said she worked with the rescue Desert Dog Project.

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said Benny was brought in as a stray on Jan. 13 and placed on a euthanasia list. He was transferred to one of the county’s New Hope partners on Jan. 22 due to medical concerns.

The county said behaviorally, the dog did not have concerning signs.

Shidler had the dog for nearly a month before the attack happened on July 8.

“It was supposed to be temporary, and yeah, unfortunately, it was just too much,” Shidler said.

Attack happened in her backyard

Shidler said she had Benny and three other dogs at her home at the time. She was taking the dogs out back when Benny started attacking one of them, then turned on her.

“I had to drag him to a bedroom, and so that’s where it escalated beyond my abilities,” Shidler said.

Shidler said Benny latched onto her arm for what felt like hours as she struggled to get away.

“I actually almost lost my left arm. I lost three units of blood due to an artery tear, and then calling 911 was hard because my blood kept cutting off the phone call,” Shidler said.

Hospital stay and ongoing recovery

Shidler was in the hospital for four days and underwent emergency surgery. She said she is still unable to use her arms.

“I’m living with a friend that works from home. They come in. They get me ready for the day. I can’t even put my hair in a ponytail. I can’t do anything,” Shidler said.

Message to other foster volunteers

Shidler said she is sharing her story to tell other foster volunteers about the risks, ask questions and be prepared.

“We forget our boundaries when we think with our heart, and that leads to this stuff, and I don’t want that to happen,” Shidler said.

Shidler still has a long recovery ahead. She said she is sharing her story, not to discourage people from fostering, but to tell them how quickly things can change.

A GoFundMe has been created to help with medical expenses.