The Hand That Feeds: A Laguna Niguel Woman Attacked By Dog She Saved

MISSION VIEJO, CA—Finding a stranded dog in the heat of a Laguna Niguel day, it was only natural for dog lover Anastasia Waide to bring him home.

"The dog was tied to a tree with no food or water," she said. "I couldn't imagine anyone being that cruel."

With a small dog, Coco, of her own, Waide and her daughter decided to bring the Pit Bull Terrier to their Laguna Niguel residence to care for the animal and seek information.

Did the friendly dog have a microchip? Yes. But the owner has not yet come forward.

Not wanting to send the dog to a shelter, she awaited a friend who would take the dog as she could not keep him. He appeared friendly and thankful for the food, water and love they offered.

"I am a single mom and just wanted to help," she said.

In the night, the unthinkable happened.

"The Pit Bull attacked Coco," she said, "I was bit as well, trying to free her from his mouth."

The dog, which was attacked near its tail, sustained injuries that forced emergency vet care. Waide also needed medical assistance for her fingers which were bitten during the attack.

With the best of intentions, Anastasia worries now about medical care for herself and her recovering dog, hoping for any assistance through a GoFundMe campaign.

"Vet bills are expensive, and we are trying to get Coco healthy again."

The Pit Bull was moved to the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter, where it was quarantined to ensure the dog did not carry rabies. The dog's original owner has been contacted and is now involved, according to reports.

When animals are located and considered stray, the local shelter is the ideal location for pets to await finding their owner, according to the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter. The microchips can be researched and owners found, rather than a more complicated location of owners through other animal rescue facilities who may not have the resources necessary.

For more information about the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter, visit them online: http://cityofmissionviejo.org/...

Anastasia Waide Photo