Woman Says She Could Have Died After Losing 3 Units of Blood When Dog She Was Fostering Attacked Her

An Arizona woman who was fostering a shelter dog is now recalling an attack involving the animal that almost cost her life.

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Liz Shidler said a shelter dog whom she was fostering suddenly attacked her on July 8

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said the dog was previously a stray and had been on the euthanasia list

Shidler is speaking out so that other foster volunteers know of the risks of taking in an animal

An Arizona woman who was fostering a shelter dog is now recalling an attack involving the animal that almost killed her.

“I actually almost lost my left arm,” Liz Shidler, of Tempe, told local CBS affiliate KTVK in an interview published on Wednesday, Aug. 19, in which she reflected on the harrowing incident. “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, who had been fostering dogs for almost five years, took in another dog named Benny and had him for almost a month prior to the attack in July, the outlet reported.

According to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Benny was previously a stray and had been on the euthanasia list.

On Jan. 22, he was transferred to a partner with New Hope, a program that helps shelter animals. Officials said that Benny hadn’t previously displayed any signs of behavioral concerns.

Shidler told KTVK that she had Benny and three other dogs at her home on July 8. When she took them out back, Benny began attacking one of the dogs, which prompted Shidler to drag Benny to her bedroom.

“That’s where it escalated beyond my abilities,” she said.

Shidler added that Benny held onto her arm for what felt like a long time as she tried to escape.

Asked by KTVK if she had been close to dying, Shidler said, “Yeah. If I couldn’t get out of that room, yeah.”

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She said that she underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized for four days. Currently, she is unable to use her arms.

“I’m living with a friend that works from home,” Shidler told KTVK. “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.”

A GoFundMe established to help Shidler after the attack stated that she had no income and her unemployment claim was denied, adding to her financial burden.

“The road ahead is overwhelming, with a long and intensive rehabilitation and a recovery that doctors expect will keep Liz out of work for at least a year,” the online fundraiser stated. “Right now, Liz also needs help with basic daily tasks like getting dressed, preparing food, washing hands, and managing everyday care.”

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Shidler explained to KTVK that she is speaking out so that other foster volunteers know of the potential risks in taking in an animal.

“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 said.

PEOPLE reached out to the GoFundMe organizer and Maricopa County Animal Care and Control for information about Benny’s current status on Thursday, Aug. 20, but did not receive an immediate response.

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