Arizona Mother Dies Shielding Son from Dog Attack

Emily Panuco, 26, of Parker, Arizona, died last month after intervening to protect her 5-year-old son from a dog attack while visiting family in California. The incident occurred on February 27th at a home in the Big River area of San Bernardino County.

Details of the Attack

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Emily Panuco and her son were visiting her mother’s home to see a litter of puppies. The puppies were in a cardboard box near the front door, along with three adult dogs, including the mother of the puppies. When the boy approached the puppies, all three adult dogs attacked him.

Panuco immediately intervened, placing herself between her son and the dogs to shield him from harm. She sustained multiple bite wounds and died at the scene. Her son suffered two severe dog bites and was hospitalized, but has since been released.

Family and Community Response

Emily Panuco is survived by her husband, a 6-year-old son, and a 7-month-old baby. Her mother-in-law, Esther Panuco, described her as a devoted mother who instinctively prioritized her son’s safety. “I think that was her first instinct, that she didn’t even think about what would happen to her, that she needed to save her son,” Esther Panuco said as reported by AZFamily.

The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, and specialized therapy for her 6-year-old son, who witnessed the attack.

Investigation and Aftermath

Authorities euthanized the three dogs involved in the attack. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident as reported by WFAA.

Additional Details

Emily Panuco was originally from Parker, Arizona, and had traveled to California to visit a relative. The puppies were reportedly from an abandoned neighborhood dog that Panuco’s mother had been feeding.