‘I could have died’: woman mauled by two dogs behind Miami home survives ordeal
MIAMI (FloridaToday.news) – A woman who is scarred and frightened after a dangerous encounter with two dogs shares her account of the brutal attack and its ripple effects.
Hema Garcia spoke to 7News in Spanish, recalling the horrific attack after two dogs bit and tore her body apart.
“I was so afraid that they would bite my jugular vein or femoral artery,” she said. “I could have died. There was nothing I could do but scream. I was unable to protect myself from these two beasts sitting on me.”
Garcia was left with bite marks and open wounds on her back, arms, legs and feet following the attack, which took place behind her home in the 6400 block of the Northwest Third Court in Miami on Friday morning.
The attack happened around 6 a.m. while Garcia was on her way to work as a babysitter when she spotted two free-roaming dogs.
“They just looked at me; I ran and they started attacking me,” she said. “They bit me on the ankle, so at that moment I couldn’t move. They bit me on the ankle, knees. Another dog bit me on the arm.”
Garcia then fell to the ground and hit her head on the car on the way.
“I screamed with all my heart, believing so strongly that someone would save me, and that’s exactly what happened,” Garcia said.
Neighbors were able to drive the dogs away from Garcia, and she ran back to her house.
When the police arrived, the dogs chased them, officers said.
One officer was forced to fire his weapon, causing the dogs to flee.
Garcia was taken to the Ryder Trauma Center and spent three nights in the hospital. She was released on Monday evening.
Garcia is currently recuperating at home but lives in fear. One of the two dogs that attacked her was not caught.
“It is dangerous to be on the street. It’s in the streets,” Garcia said. “Owners need to be more conscious and responsible. Dogs are talismans, but at the same time they are dangerous. They might kill somebody.”
Garcia said Miami-Dade Animal Services is in touch with her about finding a second dog.
Garcia’s job as a babysitter requires raising young children, and injuries to her hand leave her unable to continue working. Her family has created a GoFundMe page to help her with medical expenses. If you would like to help, please click here.
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