Kristen Dutton's grandfather says he thought the fourth-grader was playing with the family's 98-pound Japanese Akita at a home in Modoc Shores in McCormick County.
The grandfather went then inside the home. About 15 minutes later, he told his grandson to tell Kristen it was time for her to come in.
The grandson came back in and told the grandfather, Kristen was still on the ground, she looked dead.
Kristen was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Leah Abercrombie, Kristen's mother, she says she's not sure what happened to make the dog attack.
"She was done walking the dog. She had put the dog in the kennel. It didn't happen when she was walking the dog. She had put the dog in the kennel and was playing with him."
"She played with him everyday. She walked him on the weekends. He was never aggressive toward her or nothing. I don't know what made him do it."
According to South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the 98-pound dog is being tested negative for rabies.
Abercrombie says her daughter will always be remembered.
"Love your child everyday. Tell them you love them because this can happen to anybody. That was a precious little girl. She was the best thing ever, she was a gift"
Her mother says the Merriweather Elementary fourth grader loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian.
Today some experts say the death proves a sad point about the safety of some our family pets.
Veterinarian Catherine Bloodworth say "They are in fact animals and they're not going be predictable in every area."
Bloodworth says there are conditons that can lead a dog to act more aggressively, including arthritis or acute pain from an accident.
Other experts say pet lovers should choose wisely when it comes to breed selection. Some dogs are breed to guard or protect and can be prone to aggression.
The service for Dutton will be Wednesday in North Augusta.
Sandra Friar, a spokeswoman for Edgefield County Schools, said counselors would be available for the students and staff.
(WJBF - Jan 25, 2011)
