North Carolina Woman Dies Saving Her Pet from Fostered Stray Dog

A woman who opened her home to a stray dog lost her life in a sudden and devastating attack that unfolded as she tried to protect her own pet, leaving a North Carolina community shocked and mourning.

A North Carolina community is grieving the loss of a woman who was fatally mauled after stepping in to protect her beloved dog from a stray she had taken in months earlier. Authorities say 38-year-old Barbara Brewington died on Sunday, November 23, 2025, after a sudden and violent attack outside her home in Sampson County.

Deputies responded to Brewington's residence on North Peavine Road, just outside Bonnetsville, after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman in her yard.

When they arrived that afternoon, they found Brewington deceased, the result of severe injuries from an attack by a mixed-breed stray dog she had been caring for since May.

According to Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton, Brewington had taken the stray in on her own, feeding it and allowing it to stay near her property. For months, there had been no known issues. Thornton told People that the tragic incident began when Brewington's smaller pet dog got outside unexpectedly.

"She had her own pet dog," Thornton said. "For some reason, the little dog got out. She was trying to separate the stray dog from her pet, and apparently the dog became overly aggressive and attacked her."

Thornton said investigators believe Brewington acted on instinct to shield her pet, placing herself between the dogs in an effort to stop a potential fight.

Despite being home alone, she was able to rescue her smaller dog and move it safely inside her house, but she was unable to escape the stray's sudden and intense aggression.

"She managed to get her dog inside, but the attack on her had already turned fatal," Thornton explained. He added that the stray was euthanized at the scene to prevent any further risk.

Brewington's death has shaken many in the area, as well as those who knew her through her work and family life. A GoFundMe campaign was created shortly after the incident, with a goal of raising $26,000 to help cover funeral costs and support her family during what organizers described as an unimaginably painful time.

The fundraiser paints a picture of Brewington as a vibrant and deeply devoted mother. "She was a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. She was the laughter in any room," the page reads. "Being a mother was her calling. She loved her children more than life itself."

Friends, neighbors, and relatives have shared messages of heartbreak, many expressing disbelief that a woman known for her gentle nature met such a violent end while performing a simple act of love for her pet.

The GoFundMe page remains active, with supporters expressing condolences and sharing memories of Brewington. Many have emphasized her devotion to her children and her reputation for selflessness, noting that even in her final moments, she acted out of protection and love.