A Tennessee mother-of-two is now in stable condition with “stitches and bite marks over her entire body” after attempting to intervene when her two pit bulls mauled her toddlers to death Wednesday.
Kirstie Jane Bennard, 30, was severely injured by the dogs when she tried to pull them off of her 5-month-old boy, Hollace Dean, and 2-year-old girl, Lilly Jane, just outside of their home in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Both of the children were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a Twitter post made by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Bennard’s condition is reportedly stable, but the mother has an “uncountable amount of stitches and bite marks over her entire body, including her face,” Jeff Gibson — the uncle of husband Colby Bennard — wrote on Facebook.
While details of how the attack unfolded and why the pets became aggressive remain unclear, the tragic incident reportedly lasted about 10 minutes, according to Gibson.
Gibson also said Bennard’s “arms and legs are bandaged/wrapped up completely.”
The family member also wrote, “As of now it looks like there isn’t any permanent damage other than a heart that will never heal.”
The pets, Cheech and Mia, were a part of the family for more than eight years without a violent incident, Kelsey Canfield — best friend of Bennard — told Fox News Digital.
“That attack lasted longer than any one of us could have ever imagined,” said Canfield.
The two pit bulls were euthanized and autopsies for the children are still pending.
“To say that I am at a loss for words and my heart is and has been breaking since I found out is an understatement,” wrote friend Stephanie Chipman on Facebook.
“Just in absolute shock. Praying so so so hard for the good Lord to hold you and your family tight and help you make your way through this. Here for you always and love you so much!”
