Public Shock as Woman Chooses to Keep Dog That Mauled Her Face
Shayna Crimo, a 31-year-old woman, is at the center of a viral controversy after revealing that she chose to keep her dog, King, even after he bit off most of her nose and part of her upper lip during a goodnight kiss. The January 2025 incident, which took place during what Shayna described as a routine act of affection, occurred without warning. There was no growling, no body language to suggest aggression—just a sudden, devastating bite.
Details of the Dog: Meet King, the Catahoula Leopard Dog
King is a Catahoula Leopard Dog, a working breed known for its high energy, intelligence, and independence. Originally bred in Louisiana, Catahoulas have strong hunting and herding instincts and are typically wary of strangers. Shayna’s case is especially unusual because she had owned King for almost 11 years with no previous signs of aggression.
The attack happened at night, a time when dogs are often more alert or anxious. Shayna leaned in to hug and kiss King, who suddenly lunged and bit her face. The result was catastrophic: she lost her nose and part of her upper lip, and she is now undergoing multiple facial reconstruction surgeries, including the complex forehead flap procedure.
Shayna’s attack was very vicious. However, she’s not the only recent victim of a Catahoula Leopard Dog attack. Last year, a dog breeder lost their life, along with a man getting severely injured at the hands of one of those dogs. So, Crimo is fortunate to still be alive, despite losing her nose.
What Went Wrong? Possible Explanations for the Attack
Dog behavior experts suggest several potential explanations:
- Overstimulation or Stress: Many dogs are uncomfortable with face-to-face contact and hugging, which humans often see as affectionate.
- Suppressed Warning Signals: Some dogs are trained not to growl, which can suppress natural warning behaviors.
- Medical Issues: Undiagnosed pain, neurological disorders, or declining health in older dogs can trigger uncharacteristic aggression.
King gave no sign of fear or discomfort before the bite. Shayna described the moment as sudden and shocking, indicating it could have been a mix of reflex and fear-based aggression.
This also serves as a reminder that dogs are still wild animals. While they are domesticated and easy to train, dogs are prone to have wild moments. Unfortunately for Shayna Crimo, her dog’s moment came when she leaned in for the kiss. As a result, she wound up losing her nose.
Her Decision: Why She Refused to Put the Dog Down
After the incident, Shayna initially scheduled King to be euthanized. However, she later canceled the appointment. Her reasoning? She feared that crying during the procedure might infect her open wounds. While this may seem unusual, it reflects the deeply emotional bond between long-time pet owners and their animals.
“Things are normal; he’s over there,” Shayna said when asked how she feels about keeping King post-attack. Her response has stunned many who feel that once a dog bites so severely, especially without warning, euthanasia is the only safe and responsible option.
For people who don’t have pets, they don’t understand this situation. There are even those who actually do have pets who may not understand this situation. However, there are some people who have a special kind of deep love for their pets. Clearly, Shayna is one of those people. So, she’s not only kept her dog alive, she’s kept her dog with her as her pet.
Social Media Reacts: ‘That Dog Would Be Gone Yesterday’
The story exploded on X, where users didn’t hold back their opinions:
- @CodeSounds: “That dog would’ve got put down like Old Yeller.”
- @loveofsports24: “Yeah, any of my dogs pull that in my house, they are dead before the ambulance arrives!”
- @TheyCallMeNov: “I’d keep him, but he wouldn’t have a nose either. Just sayin’.”
These reactions reflect a zero-tolerance attitude toward pet aggression, especially when it results in severe bodily harm.
The Controversy Deepens: Racial and Cultural Undercurrents
Some replies took a darker turn, highlighting broader social themes:
- @itsMagicHeaux: “They truly love dogs more than Black ppl.”
- @Malcolm_fleX48: “White women and their dogs gotta be investigated.”
- @Rush1776Rush: “6% of dogs commit 50% of dog bites… you know where I’m going with this.”
These comments suggest that Shayna’s choice to keep King isn’t just about pet loyalty—it’s also become a flashpoint for racial, cultural, and ideological debates.
Misinformation and Misidentification: Is King Even a Catahoula?
One issue that further clouded the situation was the apparent misidentification of King. The viral image shared on social media shows a dog that resembles a pit bull, not a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Breed misidentification is a long-standing problem that contributes to public hysteria and unjustified stigmas around certain breeds, particularly pit bulls.
Catahoulas, while not as commonly discussed, are also working dogs with a strong prey drive and protective instincts. Several attacks involving Catahoulas have been documented, adding to growing concern about the breed.
Breed Stigma and Public Policy
As breed-specific legislation (BSL) becomes more common in cities and states across the U.S., Shayna’s story may unintentionally fuel support for harsher restrictions on certain breeds. Experts argue, however, that:
- BSL is largely ineffective, as it fails to address the real problem: irresponsible ownership.
- Dog behavior is complex, and many attacks result from a combination of factors, not just breed.
Still, as Shayna recovers from her injuries, her case will likely become a reference point in public debates about dog safety and regulation.
Reconstructive Surgery and Recovery
Shayna’s treatment involves the multi-stage forehead flap technique, where skin from the forehead is rotated to reconstruct the nose. This method is common in cases of severe facial trauma. Her emotional and psychological recovery is expected to take longer than her physical one.
According to medical professionals, the trauma from a facial dog bite can lead to long-term anxiety, PTSD, and altered social behavior. That Shayna continues to live with King suggests either remarkable resilience or, as some critics argue, denial of the real risks involved.
Final Thoughts: Loyalty, Trauma, and Public Responsibility
Shayna Crimo’s decision to keep King has ignited fierce debate over dog ownership, breed responsibility, and personal choice. To some, her decision reflects loyalty and forgiveness. To others, it’s a dangerous risk that places public safety in jeopardy.
What cannot be ignored is that Shayna’s story touches on the deepest emotions people feel about their pets: love, trust, betrayal, and recovery. Whether she made the right choice will be debated for years. What is clear is that her experience has become a cautionary tale and a catalyst for broader conversations about animal behavior, breed stereotypes, and the limits of human-animal loyalty.
