A controversial decision by a dog owner, who received $35,000 in donations to euthanize her pet after a violent attack, has sparked public debate. Shayna Crimo, 31, was severely injured by her Catahoula leopard dog, King, in January, but she has now decided to keep the dog despite the brutal incident.
On January 18, King attacked Crimo, causing horrific injuries, including the loss of her nose and upper lip. However, in February, Crimo revealed that she had chosen to retain King, a pet she has owned for over ten years. In an update shared on TikTok, Crimo showed King peacefully resting on his bed, assuring her followers that the dog remained in her home.
“Do we still have King? Yes, we do,” Crimo said in a video. She explained that despite the attack, she believed the situation was a result of her own actions, including an encounter in which she approached King while having alcohol on her breath. She also acknowledged that the aggression signs had been present before, and in hindsight, earlier training could have prevented the incident.
The dog’s behavior has since been addressed with professional training, and Crimo continues to explore options to ensure his aggression is managed. She stressed that the decision to keep King was emotionally difficult but made with careful consideration of the situation.
In January, Crimo had launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical expenses, the euthanasia of another dog, and possibly the cost of euthanizing King. While a euthanasia appointment was initially set for King, Crimo canceled it, stating that she wasn’t ready to say goodbye and wanted to take more time to grieve.
Despite some public criticism, Crimo defended her decision, noting that she still loved her dog and didn’t want to rush into a decision she wasn’t prepared for. “It’s not an easy decision to make,” she said, acknowledging the complex emotions involved.
Crimo’s injuries have since healed after several reconstructive surgeries, and she is now awaiting laser treatment to remove remaining hair around her nose. King, who has only bitten once, is now under a stricter training regimen to prevent further incidents.