A woman volunteering with an Akita rescue group was attacked by a dog at a Phoenix boarding facility Wednesday. She died from her injuries.
KNXV reported that officials with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said that the attack happened around 3:30 p.m.
According to KPHO, the woman, identified as 69-year-old Carol Harris, was volunteering with the animal shelter Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona and walking an Akita in a playground area at Canine Country Club and Feline Inn.
An MCACC spokesperson Harris had injuries that appeared to be consistent with dog bites. She was taken to the hospital in “very critical condition,” the spokesperson said.
Harris was working to socialize the dog that is believed to have attacked her. Witnesses said the dog was found by another person with blood around its mouth, according to KNXV.
“It’s so tragic. A lot of tears today. A lot of upset people who have never seen anything like this ever,” facility owner Greg Donahue said. “We've never had more than a nip and this is unbelievable — just unbelievable.”
Harris had been working with the group for years and came in several times a week.
"We take great pride in the work the rescue groups who use our facilities do to ensure better lives for animals. What happened today was a tragedy," Canine Country Club & Feline Inn said on its Facebook page Wednesday. "We are all at a loss for words. We will not be releasing her name and ask for the privacy as well as prayers for the woman involved and her family today. The proper authorities are handling the matter."
Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona posted about Harris Wednesday.
"With great sadness, we share the loss of our beloved Carol Harris," the organization said in a Facebook post. "She passed away today while helping rehab an orphaned Akita in the hopes of him becoming adoptable. She is missed by her husband, Ken, and all of us at AARTA. Please say a prayer for Carol's family. Out of respect for Carol and her family please understand that we cannot answer questions at this time."
AARTA founder Deb Harlow set up a YouCaring page to help with Harris's family expenses. More than $2,000 has been raised of its $5,000 goal.
MCACC pfficials say the dog will be euthanized and sent to the state lab to be tested for rabies.
