A mother-of-three has been killed in a horrific dog attack after trying to protect her own pet from a stray she had taken into her home.
Tragic Attempt to Save Family Pet
Barbara Brewington, aged 38, died from her injuries after being found by police in the garden of her home in Bonnetsville, North Carolina on November 23. According to the Sampson County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred shortly after 6.30pm. Deputies discovered Ms Brewington with severe wounds, and she passed away as first responders fought to save her.
The tragedy unfolded when a mixed-breed stray dog, which Ms Brewington had been caring for in her home for around six months, suddenly turned on her smaller pet dog. Sheriff Jimmy Thornton explained that she was attempting to separate the two animals when the stray became "overly aggressive" and attacked her.
A Life Dedicated to Family
Despite her injuries, Barbara Brewington was reportedly able to save her own dog, getting it to safety inside the house before she collapsed. Her own pet survived the attack. The stray dog was later seized by a specialist animal control team and euthanised.
Barbara, who worked as a dental assistant at Village Family Dental, was a married mother to three children. In a moving online tribute, her sister Samantha described her as "a ray of sunshine on a rainy day" and said that being a mother was her true calling. "She loved her children more than life itself," she wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to support Barbara's family.
Community Mourns a 'Sweet and Beautiful' Woman
The fundraising campaign has so far raised over $24,700 (£18,000) towards its $26,000 goal, demonstrating an outpouring of support. Friends, former colleagues, and classmates have shared their grief online, remembering Barbara's warmth, kindness, and vibrant laughter.
One former coworker paid tribute, saying: "She was a fun, sweet coworker. She was such a proud mama." Another mourner wrote: "This is heartbreaking and so sad. She looks like she was a sweet and beautiful young lady." Messages of condolence have also been directed to her husband, Bradley, and their three children as the community comes to terms with the sudden and tragic loss.
