COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. (KVOA) — A Cochise County woman is in the hospital Wednesday recovering from a dog attack that her husband says almost killed her.
The husband told News 4 Tucson that he does not blame the dog owner and that his wife has a long road to recovery.
“I was with her until they put her into surgery,” said Delano, the victim's husband.
A woman is in serious condition after being attacked by her neighbor's large dog in Benson.
Delano who did not want to reveal his last name says his wife was attacked Tuesday night on 2500 North Ocotillo Road, just north of Benson.
It's a private property in a rural area.
“The dog grabbed her by the back of the neck and shook her like a rag doll. She broke that hold and then held on to its jaw to keep it away from the face but by that time it had already tore into her side. (It) shredded her left leg, bit down on her shoulder,” Delano said.
Pictures of Delano's wife reveal injuries to the back of her head and a big cut on her forehead.
Delano says the 200 pound Mastiff abruptly attacked her when she stepped out of a vehicle while visiting her friend.
“She’s met the dog before, she’s pet the dog before. But this time it tried to kill her,” Delano said.
Delano adds that the dog's owner jumped into action and quickly drove his wife down North Ocotillo Road and straight to Benson Hospital.
“I thank her very much for making the choice instead of waiting for an ambulance. And they (Benson Hospital) triaged, stabilized and put her on a helicopter,” Delano said.
Delano's wife eventually landed at Banner Medical Center in Tucson.
It has been an exhausting time for Delano.
Despite all that has happened, Delano does not have any ill will against the owners.
“It’s not uncommon to have a very large farm dog to protect the property and livestock. They’ve (the dog's owners) already let us know that anything insurance doesn’t cover they’ve got our back. It’s not their fault,” Delano said.
But could the dog's owners face charges? The Cochise County Sheriff says maybe.
“We are collecting all the evidence. It really comes down to what does the owner know about the dog?” said Cochise County Sheriff Mark J. Dannels.
The dog is currently in quarantine with the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.
