Dog bite causes woman's death

by **maberi** » December 15th, 2009, 1:26 pm

Investigators: Theresa Ellerman dies from dog bite

Updated: Tuesday, 15 Dec 2009, 8:52 AM EST
Published : Monday, 14 Dec 2009, 9:45 PM EST

* Melanie Woodrow

NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk Police Investigators say a dog bite to a woman's neck has caused her death. Police along with Fire and Rescue Teams responded to Tabor Court early Saturday morning.

Investigators say 49-year-old Theresa Ellerman from Jacksonville, North Carolina was found on Tabor Court with breathing troubles.

An Alaskan Malamute bit her during her visit with friends. Police say about one hour later, Ellerman died at the hospital.

"I was shocked because I've seen the dog before and he never came off that way to me," said neighbor Alex Tabor.

Tabor wasn't the only one surprised.

"This is very unusual," said Dr. Ron Hallstrom.

Dr. Hallstrom is a Veterinarian at the Dog and Cat Hospital on 21st street.

He says Malamutes generally have a good temperament. "Overall I think they're not as apt to bite as a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler. I think in most cases they have a pretty good disposition."

Dr. Hallstrom says the malamute is from the arctic circle and closely related to the siberian husky.

"The malamute is a big dog, if it bit a person in the right place, which this dog did, it can cause serious problems."

Norfolk police say the malamute did not show signs of being rabid.

Dr. Hallstrom says dogs that bite will usually have shown signs of aggression in the past. He suggests visitors always tell homeowners if they're uncomfortable around dogs.

Norfolk police tell WAVY.com the homeowner will not face charges related to the deadly dog bite.

by **pitsnok** » December 15th, 2009, 1:57 pm

How unnecessary of him to say.
And what veterinarian has any business being bias?...that is ridiculous.

by **Miss_Pits** » December 15th, 2009, 2:25 pm

That is uncalled for. It makes me so mad - yet I'm also not surprised. :rolleyes2:

by **Pit♥bull** » December 15th, 2009, 2:31 pm

maberi wrote:the homeowner will not face charges related to the deadly dog bite.

I'll bet if it was a Pitbull it would have been a different story.

by **HappyChick** » December 15th, 2009, 2:34 pm

Pit♥Bull wrote:
maberi wrote:the homeowner will not face charges related to the deadly dog bite.
I'll bet if it was a Pitbull it would have been a different story.

That's just what I was thinking.

**********************************************
Did that Veterinarian really have to mention Pit bulls? Asshat.

by **Malli** » December 15th, 2009, 2:40 pm

Oh yeah, way different treatment for all involved.

Whats rediculous is that while not so much Malamutes, I found when I worked at the hospital that Huskies could be a bit unpredictable, and almost all the staff I worked with would probably agree

Its like, well, if you want to play the name game.... :rolleyes2:

by **maberi** » December 15th, 2009, 2:48 pm

It was interesting to read the comments to the article. Most people felt it was an unfortunate accident for all involved (including the dog).

Far different from the comments you see if a pit bull makes the news, but I guess if the news is your source for breed information, you can't blame people for their misconstrued views.

by **BigDogBuford** » December 15th, 2009, 2:50 pm

Did it mention in the article if the dog will be euthanized?

by **Marinepits** » December 15th, 2009, 3:19 pm

We had a HUGE male Malamute when we were growing up and he almost took my little brother's eye out. My parents rehomed him to a place with no children.

by **maberi** » December 15th, 2009, 3:49 pm

BigDogBuford wrote:Did it mention in the article if the dog will be euthanized?

No, which I found very odd

by **BigDogBuford** » December 15th, 2009, 4:01 pm

I don't know if I could keep a dog who had killed someone.

by **amazincc** » December 15th, 2009, 4:01 pm

maberi wrote:
Dr. Hallstrom says dogs that bite will usually have shown signs of aggression in the past.

Well, duh... there's always the first time... what a bone head. :rolleyes2:

by **TheRedQueen** » December 15th, 2009, 4:19 pm

amazincc wrote:
maberi wrote:
Dr. Hallstrom says dogs that bite will usually have shown signs of aggression in the past.

Well, duh... there's always the first time... what a bone head.

And considering what MOST people miss from their dogs...I wouldn't be surprised if the dog HAD shown aggression in the past.

by **Malli** » December 16th, 2009, 3:34 am

agreed. A bite like that doesn't happen without practice.

by **Dukes_mom** » December 16th, 2009, 3:39 am

maberi wrote:
Dr. Hallstrom is a Veterinarian at the Dog and Cat Hospital on 21st street.

He says Malamutes generally have a good temperament. "Overall I think they're not as apt to bite as a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler. I think in most cases they have a pretty good disposition."

UGG that makes me so angry.

Dog bite causes woman's death

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