A Terrifying Morning Turned into a Battle for Survival
For Elizabeth Dellapietro, the morning started like any other. She let her 12-year-old Chihuahua mix, Tilly, outside for a quick bathroom break. It was routine, something she had done countless times before.
But within moments, everything changed.
As Elizabeth was just returning inside, a bone-chilling scream shattered the silence. It was Tilly—crying out in pain and terror.
An Unexpected and Dangerous Attacker
Rushing back outside, Elizabeth was met with a horrifying sight—a rabid raccoon had latched onto her tiny 10-pound dog. Despite being on a leash, Tilly was helpless against the wild animal, and the raccoon refused to let go.
Elizabeth’s instincts kicked in immediately.
“I heard my dog scream in pain, so I ran outside and picked up a metal watering can to beat it on its back to let go of my dog!”
With all her strength, she struck the rabid raccoon over and over, desperate to free her beloved dog. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the raccoon released its grip.
Elizabeth scooped up Tilly and rushed her to the vet—but the ordeal was far from over.
At the vet, Dr. Linda Morrone confirmed the seriousness of the situation. Tilly had leg injuries and a broken toe, but even more concerning was the rabies risk.
This was the second rabid raccoon attack in the area in just two weeks.
“Rabies is a very serious illness,” Dr. Morrone explained.“We’re so worried about COVID that we’re overlooking this, and it’s out there. People need to keep their pets’ rabies vaccines updated and be extremely aware of the danger.”
Elizabeth immediately started a series of rabies shots, and Tilly was given urgent medical care. Though shaken and injured, she was lucky to be alive—thanks to her brave mom.
With the rabid raccoon still at large, local officials issued urgent warnings to the community. Business administrator Michael Muscillo urged residents to be on high alert.
“If it’s exhibiting strange signs, if it’s drooling, or showing aggressive behavior, we are asking residents to stay away and call the police immediately.”
In the meantime, Elizabeth has taken extra precautions—she now carries a baseball bat every time she takes her dogs outside.
“I’m still shaken up,” she admitted. “Now, I’m afraid to even let my dogs out in the yard.”
What was supposed to be a normal morning routine turned into a life-threatening battle. Thanks to Elizabeth’s quick thinking and courage, Tilly is safe, though both she and her mom are scarred by the traumatic experience.
This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of how wildlife encounters can turn dangerous in an instant—and why staying vigilant is crucial for pet owners.
“She heard her dog’s cries—and risked everything to save her.”
She fought off a rabid raccoon to save her tiny dog—watch the dramatic rescue below.
