San Tan Valley, Arizona — A local mother is recovering from severe injuries sustained during a sudden dog attack, urging fellow pet owners to remain vigilant even when dealing with seemingly gentle animals. Cara Newell, who was hospitalized following the incident, emphasizes the unpredictable nature of dog behavior, regardless of past interactions.
Newell had been caring for Odin, a 5-year-old mastiff, for a month and had never witnessed any aggressive behavior from the dog. Just hours before the attack, he had been a calm presence in her home, often resting beside her on the couch or near her bed. “He was a part of our family,” Newell said. “We thought we knew him.”
The incident began when a skirmish broke out between Newell’s two other dogs, Malibu and Korra. Concerned for her children who witnessed the fight, Newell felt compelled to intervene. As she worked to separate the dogs, Odin was inadvertently let inside the house. “He approached silently and without warning,” she recalled. “It happened so fast; I never saw it coming.”
In the attack, Odin inflicted severe bites on Newell’s back, jaw, and arm, and even tore part of her ear. In a panic, her children attempted to summon help, trying unsuccessfully to use voice-activated devices scattered throughout the home. “In that moment, all I could think about was surviving for my kids,” Newell explained. “I couldn’t let them see me die.”
With the help of her children, she managed to pry Odin off, which Newell believes ultimately saved her life. “I don’t think I would have survived without their bravery,” she said. Emergency responders quickly transported her to the hospital, where she underwent extensive reconstructive surgery the following day.
Reflecting on her experience, Newell now advocates for increased awareness regarding the unpredictable nature of dogs, particularly in stressful situations. “If there hadn’t been that fight, he would have come in wagging his tail like before,” she noted. She warns others not to underestimate the risks associated with intervening in dog disputes. “You can hear a lot of advice about dogs fighting, but it should never be taken lightly.”
Her children, ages 7 and 8, are still grappling with the trauma of that night and may require therapy to process what they witnessed. “It’s devastating for them, especially because they loved that dog,” she added, expressing concern about the long-term effects of the incident on their mental health.
Newell’s fear of large dogs has intensified after the attack, and she feels reluctant to ever own one again. In addition to sharing her story, she is promoting the necessity of having emergency devices properly set up to ensure they can call for help when needed.
Authorities have confirmed that Odin has been impounded and is undergoing a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Due to the severity of the attack, the dog will be euthanized following the quarantine period. In light of her medical bills and lost wages from work, Newell’s family has launched a fundraiser to assist with her recovery.
In the aftermath of this harrowing experience, Newell hopes to inspire others to be mindful of the unpredictable nature of even the most familiar pets, ensuring that others can avoid facing a similar fate.