On Friday, August 9, a devastating incident occurred in the small community of Aripine, Navajo County, Arizona. A nine-year-old girl, Shiree Barney, tragically lost her life after being attacked by the family’s Cane Corso dogs. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community and left a family in deep mourning.
According to a report from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, the tragic event took place around 6:30 p.m. Shiree, who was at home with several family members, stepped outside to turn off a water tap. What began as a routine task quickly turned fatal. For reasons that remain unclear, the family’s dogs, which had previously shown no signs of aggression, suddenly attacked the young girl. Despite the swift and desperate efforts of her family to administer first aid, Shiree succumbed to her injuries.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo County Animal Control are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. At this time, no further details have been released, as the investigation is ongoing. However, authorities have confirmed that the dogs have been removed from the home and are being evaluated as part of the investigation. Chief Deputy Brian Swanty of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office expressed the sorrow felt by the entire department, stating, “Our hearts go out to this family, not just here at the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, but also to the officers who responded on the street. This is not the type of call anyone wants to be engaged with.”
In the wake of this tragedy, the Navajo County community has rallied around the Barney family, offering support in various forms. A GoFundMe account has been established to assist the family with the financial burdens that come with such an unexpected loss. The account, set up by a family member, describes Shiree as a bright and loving child whose life radiated beauty and warmth to everyone who knew her. The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of memorial services and other related expenses, allowing the family to focus on their grieving and healing process.
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Shiree’s mother, Shirley Barney, shared her heartbreak in an emotional post on Facebook, where she described the devastating loss of her daughter. She revealed that the family had owned the Cane Corso dogs for several years, and they had always been trusted guardians of the family. “Shiree went outside by herself for just 10 minutes to turn off the water lines, and they attacked and killed her in that short time. We were completely shocked and devastated,” Shirley wrote.
Despite the unimaginable pain, Shirley expressed her faith in divine comfort, stating that she believes Shiree is now a “Heavenly Angel” who has been reunited with her older sister and Savior. She described her daughter as a loving, joyful, and obedient girl who had a deep connection with her faith. “We know that she is happy to be reunited with our Savior, and with her older sister. And we know that we will see her again. She is dancing in heaven now,” Shirley shared.
As the investigation continues, the authorities are examining the behavior and history of the dogs involved in the attack. Cane Corsos are known to be protective and loyal, but like all large breeds, they can be dangerous if not properly trained or socialized. This incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of pet owners, especially when it comes to large and powerful dog breeds.
While incidents like this are rare, they serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with owning large dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), it’s essential for dog owners to ensure that their pets are well-trained, socialized, and supervised, particularly around children. The AVMA also emphasizes the importance of understanding a dog’s behavior and recognizing signs of stress or aggression to prevent such tragedies.
The death of Shiree Barney has left a profound impact on the Navajo County community. As the family prepares to lay their daughter to rest, they are surrounded by the love and support of their neighbors, friends, and even strangers who have been touched by their story. Funeral arrangements for Shiree will be announced by the family in due course.
In the meantime, the Barney family has requested prayers and support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. They have also requested that the dogs involved in the attack be humanely euthanized, a decision that underscores the depth of their grief and the complexity of their emotions in the wake of such a tragedy.
As the community grieves the loss of a young life cut short, the memory of Shiree Barney will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her story serves as both a cautionary tale and a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.