Two dogs attacked a woman and her pet—but a 17-yr-old used a makeup mirror to pull off a daring rescue
Big dogs can sometimes be unpredictable and, in certain situations, even dangerous. For pet owners, the risks can feel even greater, as their pets often become easy targets. On October 2, a 17-year-old Fayette County student saw her neighbor and their pet being attacked by two loose German shepherds, and she did not hesitate, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Instead, she made a daring attempt to save them.
17-year-old high school cheerleader from McIntosh High School, Saylor Ziegler, was on her way to take an AP Psychology test when she saw two loose German shepherds circling her neighbor, Kristi Maxwell. When Ziegler saw the situation, she knew right away that she must step out to help. While she was searching for an object of weapon, she came across her sturdy makeup mirror from the trunk, which she quickly grabbed to fight back the dogs.
Following a brave fight, the young girl was finally able to save her neighbour and her pet's lives by fighting off two dogs. "I love her. I feel like she saved my dog’s life, but she saved my life too. I really think they could have gone after me, too, but I’m serious. I will always know her. She’s fearless," said an emotional Maxwell about Ziegler.
In a study authored by Bonnie C. Hasoon, Alyssa E. Ship, and Jamal Hasoon in 2020, published by Veterinary World, 6,683 dog bite reports from Harris County Veterinary Public Health between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016, were analyzed. The study found that areas with higher populations of free-ranging dogs reported more frequent attacks on humans, stating the public health risks associated with loose dogs in communities. As per the data, persons aged 70+ had the greatest incidence of severe injury (14.09/100,000). The study also highlights the importance of prevention efforts, including stricter leash laws and public education, to reduce the incidence of dog bites in communities.
Unfortunately, Maxwell was bruised and bitten and had to be taken to the hospital. Her pet Maddie also required numerous stitches and is expected to recover soon. According to the publication, Fayette County took official action against the owner of the dogs. Saylor Ziegler's incident reminds us of a similar tale involving 6-year-old Lily Goligowski, who saved her mother, Lindsay Stroup, when two large pit bulls she was dog-sitting for a friend suddenly turned on her and launched a brutal attack.
Lily locked herself in the bathroom and dialed 911, guiding rescuers to the scene. Police arrived quickly and rushed Lindsay to the hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition and required multiple surgeries. Luckily, Lily Goligowski's quick thinking gave her mom another chance at life.