Phoenix, AZ – In a life-altering incident on July 1, 2023, 25-year-old Kalista Munoz faced a brutal dog attack that resulted in the amputation of her arm. The attack occurred while Munoz was fostering a stray dog named Zona, who engaged in a fight with one of Munoz’s other dogs.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Munoz explained that Zona, despite wearing a cone, managed to escape from her room and swiftly descended downstairs. In an attempt to control the situation, Munoz endeavored to move Zona to her backyard. However, she found herself cornered in a bathroom during the chaos, where the dog latched onto her arm. Munoz, trapped for nearly 30 minutes, called for help until the police intervened.
Following the attack, Munoz was rushed to the hospital, where she spent several days in a coma and underwent 18 surgeries. A severe infection in her arm ultimately led to the difficult decision to amputate.
Despite the traumatic incident, Munoz has chosen not to harbor blame towards the dog, emphasizing the importance of understanding the consequences of animal abuse and the potential dangers it poses. Currently, Munoz is navigating a challenging but resilient journey, pursuing both work and a master’s degree at ASU.
Reflecting on her experiences, Munoz expressed a desire to raise awareness about the trauma caused by animal abuse while encouraging others facing similar challenges. “I shouldn’t have to postpone my life because something bad happened to me. There’s beauty in tragedy, and I believe that my journey is someone else’s survival guide,” Munoz remarked, exemplifying a remarkable spirit of resilience and hope.
