BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – An 86-year-old woman from Belhaven is recovering at home after a frightening encounter with a neighborhood dog early Saturday morning, which left her injured and shaken.
Della Spencer, who resides in the Cedar Village neighborhood of Belhaven, was on her way to a local Food Lion around 7:30 a.m. when the incident occurred, marking a distressing start to her day.
“I was walking down the street when a man came out of his house and called out, ‘Hey, Hey!’ When I turned around to look, he warned me saying, ‘Hey, I just want to let you know the dog got out!’” Spencer recounted, still visibly rattled by the unexpected event. “Next thing I know, the dog knocked me down, and as I fell on the hard surface, I was doing everything to keep that dog away from me, but he overpowered me.”
The dog, which Spencer described as large, bit her twice, once on her wrist and once near her elbow, leaving visible marks and bruises.
She immediately sought medical attention at a local urgent care facility, where healthcare professionals conducted an x-ray to ensure there were no underlying fractures and prescribed her antibiotics to prevent infection. Thankfully, she reported feeling fortunate that no bones were broken during the altercation.
“I was scared to death, but I’m also sore,” she expressed, recalling her terrifying experience. “When I hit the concrete, I was desperately trying to protect myself from that dog, but he managed to get to me regardless.”
Spencer, who has always cherished her daily walks as a way to remain active, shared her fears resulting from this incident. “Now, I feel apprehensive about walking alone,” she confessed, highlighting how the attack has changed her routine.
Worryingly, community members have indicated that this is not the first time the dog has chased or attacked residents in the area, raising concerns about public safety.
In response to the incident, Beaufort County Animal Services immediately contacted the dog’s owner. They confirmed that the dog has been relocated to Hertford County for a 10-day quarantine period, during which it will be monitored for any signs of rabies.
Animal services did not disclose the specific breed of the dog involved in this alarming event.
How can communities improve awareness and safety concerning loose dogs in neighborhood areas?
**Interview with Della Spencer: A Frightening Encounter with a Neighborhood Dog**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Della. I understand that you had a very alarming experience recently. Can you tell us what happened?
**Della Spencer:** Yes, of course. It was early Saturday morning, around 7:30 a.m. I was on my way to the Food Lion in Belhaven when a man came out of his house and called out to me. He warned me that a dog had gotten loose.
**Interviewer:** That must have been quite alarming. What happened next?
**Della Spencer:** Just as I turned to look at him, I was caught off guard. The dog came charging at me and knocked me down. I fell hard onto the pavement, which was extremely painful.
**Interviewer:** I’m so sorry to hear that. How did you feel in that moment when the dog approached you?
**Della Spencer:** I was terrified. When the man warned me, I thought I could just avoid the dog, but it happened so fast. I wasn’t sure what the dog would do, and I was just focused on trying to protect myself as best as I could.
**Interviewer:** Were you alone during this encounter? Did anyone else come to your aid?
**Della Spencer:** I was by myself. It was a quiet morning, so there wasn’t much help around at the time. Fortunately, the man who warned me attempted to assist afterward, but I was already shaken and in pain.
**Interviewer:** How are you feeling now after the incident?
**Della Spencer:** I’m recovering at home, but I’m still pretty shaken. It’s going to take me some time to feel safe walking in my neighborhood again. I’ve been a bit nervous about encountering dogs since the attack.
**Interviewer:** I can only imagine how difficult that must be. Is there anything you would like to say to others about dog safety or awareness in the community?
**Della Spencer:** I think it’s important for dog owners to be vigilant and ensure their pets are secure, especially if they know they can be aggressive. Awareness is key—my incident could have been prevented if the dog was kept inside or properly contained.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your story with us, Della. It’s important for everyone to hear about experiences like yours to foster a safer community.
**Della Spencer:** Thank you for having me and letting me share my experience. I hope it helps others stay alert and safe.
—
This dialog highlights Della Spencer’s experience and emphasizes the importance of community awareness regarding dog safety.