Mother’s Pitbull Attack: Devastating Outcome
A Wisconsin mother, devoted to her family and animals, met a tragic end after an unfortunate encounter with the family dog. Heather Pingel, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom of two, lost her life in a heart-wrenching incident involving their pitbull. Her courageous effort to protect her young son from the aggressive canine left her fatally injured, but she ultimately sealed a legacy of bravery.
The tragic event took place in the family home in Bowler, Wisconsin. Heather’s husband Shane Bernarde came back from visiting his brother to a distressing scene. Heather, inside the bathroom with the door closed, had told Shane that their son Damion had fallen down the steps and was injured. Shane quickly found Damion in the living room, bearing a severe leg injury, before rushing to aid Heather who was under attack.
Faced with a horrifying situation, Shane acted immediately. He managed to pull the attacking pitbull away from Heather, despite suffering bites himself, and took the dog outside. Armed with a firearm, he made the difficult decision to put the dog down. Unfortunately, Heather’s injuries were severe. Although she was rushed to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, she passed away eight days later. Her injuries included loss of both arms and kidney failure.
Nevertheless, Heather’s sacrifice was not in vain. Shane and young Damion received medical attention and, despite needing about 70 stitches on his leg, Damion was able to return home. Heather’s sister Shannon remembered her as a heroic figure who fought bravely for her family. “She’s the bravest, strongest mother. She risked her life to save him,” Shannon expressed.
The cause of the attack remains a subject of speculation for the family. Shannon suspects the dog became startled by noises when Damion fell and cried, which might have prompted the pitbull’s aggressive behavior. Her beloved dog outweighed her by at least 30 pounds, making it difficult to overpower and separate it from her son entirely. Heather’s fondness for animals may have prevented her from making a tough but necessary decision earlier.
Police reports indicated that this was not an isolated incident. The pitbull had shown aggressive tendencies before, which Heather’s family was aware of. Heather had a compassionate heart for animals, and despite the risks, hoped she could cope with and change the dog’s behavior.
This story serves as a solemn reminder of the potential consequences of keeping aggressive animals. Heather’s heart was big, full of love for animals, and she tried her best to give the pitbull a chance. However, these decisions should never compromise personal or family safety. It’s a heartbreaking reality that sometimes separating from a beloved pet is the best choice for the well-being of everyone involved.
