Elderly Woman Bites Dog’s Neck to Save Her Own Dog During Vicious Attack

Orlando Woman Bites Dog to Save Her Beloved Senior Pup

A 70-year-old woman from Orlando is being hailed as a hero after taking extraordinary action to save her beloved senior dog from a violent attack. On September 1, Shirley, who weighs just 90 pounds, was walking her 14-year-old companion Sparky outside a supermarket near West Lancaster Road and Winegard Road when the terrifying incident unfolded.

Without warning, a pit bull charged at Sparky and latched onto him. The much larger dog quickly overpowered the small senior pup, and Shirley leapt into action. Armed only with her cane and her determination, she struck at the attacking animal and tried to pry open its powerful jaws with her hands. Nothing worked. As seconds dragged on and Sparky’s life hung in the balance, Shirley made a desperate choice—she bit the pit bull on the back of the neck.

“I’m 70 years old, 90 pounds, and I couldn’t open his mouth,” she explained. “So I bit him. I had to.” Miraculously, the tactic worked. The pit bull released Sparky, giving Shirley the chance to pull her terrified dog to safety.

Video of the encounter captured the harrowing moments as Shirley fought with all her strength to save her companion. Witnesses later said her determination was unlike anything they had ever seen. Shortly after, a man believed to be the pit bull’s owner appeared and pulled the dog away. Instead of offering help or information, however, he left the scene without identifying himself. Authorities are now working to track him down. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the incident is under active investigation.

Sparky survived the ordeal, though he was left shaken and defensive in the aftermath. Shirley, too, suffered injuries during the attack but said none of that mattered compared to saving her faithful dog. She described Sparky as her constant companion for more than a decade, explaining that his presence has given her comfort and strength through life’s challenges. “He’s my reason for getting up every day,” she said.

Now, as both Shirley and Sparky recover, their story is spreading as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets. Neighbors and strangers alike have expressed admiration for her courage, noting that her willingness to risk her own safety demonstrates just how deep that bond can run.

While investigators continue their search for the pit bull’s owner, Shirley remains focused on caring for Sparky and cherishing each day with him. Her quick thinking and fierce devotion turned what could have been a tragic loss into a story of survival, loyalty, and love.