HIALEAH, Fla. – A 57-year-old Hialeah woman is recovering after she was brutally attacked by her family’s dog while home alone Wednesday afternoon, according to her son, who says she somehow managed to call 911 during the violent mauling.
Sumi Lliteras, described by her family as a devoted mother and caregiver, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center with severe injuries to all four limbs.
The victim’s son, Raul Lliteras, who owned the dog — a pit bull named Caesar — said the animal had shown signs of instability in the past.
“It was just very scary. The dog wasn’t really in my head when I heard what happened to my mom,” he said. “He was a loving dog, but he wasn’t mentally stable.”
He said his mother was on the phone when Caesar suddenly snapped and began attacking her inside her home.
Despite being terrified and fighting for her life, she was able to call 911. Video from Sky 10 showed police and Miami-Dade Animal Services crew members responding to the scene.
“Yesterday she wasn’t responsive during the day, and then she finally started talking in the afternoon,” Raul said.
The family says Sumi Lliteras has always put others before herself.
“She just takes care of everyone. She takes care of me and I am a grown man,” Raul said.
Raul also revealed Caesar had a history of aggression.
“This is something that happened because of him. I got bit on the leg by him — my arm … top and bottom,” he said.
In the aftermath of the attack, Raul Lliteras had a message for others.
“If you are going to have big dogs and dogs that you see aren’t always mentally stable, be careful,” he said.
Because of the dog’s aggressive history, MDAS confirmed that Caesar was euthanized.
The Lliteras family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Sumi’s mounting medical expenses.
As of Wednesday evening, she remains hospitalized and is working to recover.
If you’d like to assist, you can visit the family’s fundraiser by clicking here.
