Carver, a Border Collie who was certified by the Federal Emergency Management Association for disaster rubble rescue, died of injuries he sustained at the residence of his handler in southern Forsyth County after two pit bulls attacked the 4-year-old dog.
Foxi, a two-and-a-half year old Belgian Malanois, was released Friday after undergoing surgery as a result of an injury she suffered about a month ago while in a training session.
"I think the mood is pretty somber," said Scott McCaskill, assistant chief of the Thomasville Rescue Squad. "These dogs were members of the (Thomasville Rescue Squad) family."
The loss of Carver means Thomasville Rescue Squad has eight dogs, including Foxi who is expected to recover from her injuries. Carver was the only dog trained in rubble rescue.
Thursday, Carver was in his fenced backyard when one pit bull got over the fence and another dug under the fence, McCaskill said. The assistant chief said both of the pit bulls "viciously" mauled Carver. Carver died around noon at an emergency veterinarian hospital in Greensboro.
McCaskill declined to released the identity of Carver's handler.
"It's not going to be easy for the handler," he said. "They were tightly bonded."
The assistant chief said the pit bulls are in the custody of the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. McCaskill also declined to comment on his hopes for the future of the case.
(The Dispatch - April 22, 2013)
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