The resident was taken to hospital following the attack in June 2022, after being bitten twice by the animal when she had “popped out” to buy milk and bread.
A year after the attack, her daughter has spoken of the trauma it caused to the family.
Not wishing to be named, she said: “Mum previously worked in a veterinary surgery and has owned dogs herself, so knows not to approach an unknown dog.
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“However, she didn’t even see the dog outside the shop before it launched at her.
“She has always been such an energetic, outgoing person, with a busy social life at her allotment and playing bowls, but after the attack she didn’t want to leave the house or go anywhere without me.
“It has taken a year to get her confidence back, but she is still very wary of all dogs, and crosses the road to avoid them.
“I could have said goodbye to my mum that day, if the bite had been in a different place or punctured a main artery.
“I want to encourage people who have dogs or look after a friends pet, to consider the huge responsibility and ask the important questions: what are their triggers? Are they socialised? Am I able to be in full control of this dog?
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“I have shared mums story, as I don’t want anyone else having to suffer like she has.”
According to Hertfordshire Constabulary, there were 10 fatal attacks by dogs in 2022, across the UK.
Previously, this figure has averaged at just three per year, however five have already taken place in 2023.
Peter Madden – dangerous dog advisor for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire – added: “Although these fatal incidents have not been in the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Hertfordshire area, in 2022-23 there were 1,015 reported incidents in which people were injured across the three counties.
“We are sharing this story, as we want to raise awareness of how dog attacks such as this can affect someone’s life, not only physically but mentally.”
