Family member says victim of pit bull attack of 'long road' ahead

SOUTH CAROLINA -- A pit bull attack on a pair of sisters on Tuesday has relatives making arrangements for what is expected to be a lengthy recover.

Ann Dixon, sister of Alice Teresa Wells and Angela Williams, said the attack happened while Williams was visiting Wells on Tuesday.

"We really don't know what set the dog off," Dixon told WYFF. "One moment it was licking Teresa's fingers, and then the next it was attacking her."

Dixon said the dog belonged to Williams and had snapped at Wells two weeks earlier.

"Angie and her boyfriend were visiting Teresa when it happened," Dixon said. "They thought it seemed unusual but didn't think much of it afterwards."

Williams is expected to fully recover with physical therapy on her left arm, Dixon said. The dog ripped the arm from the shoulder to the wrist and left Williams with multiple broken ribs.

Wells' injuries were more extensive -- including a severed left hand, deep bites in her right palm and dozens more on her right leg.

"The dog ripped off about 99 percent of her left hand. The first surgery removed it completely," Dixon said. "Her second surgery removed the rest of the arm halfway to the elbow."

Wells was left-handed, her sister said.

As the family anticipates a lengthy recovery, relatives are caring for Well's 5-year-old grandniece, who spent most of her time at Well's home.

"Everyone's pitching in to help," Dixon said.

The attack has led to a role reversal for Wells, who cared for her mother for 30 years until her death after a stroke left half of her body paralyzed.

"Teresa will have to learn to do everything all over again," Dixon said.

(WYFF - Aug 29, 2015)

Earlier:

• Witness describes dog attack on 2 women: 'It destroyed her arm'