Brother helps save girl from pit bull

A 5-year-old girl attacked Monday by a family pit bull is recovering from her injuries, thanks in large part to the efforts of her 10-year-old brother, officials at the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said.

"That kid just never quit," Sgt. Dave Myers said when he discussed the events of Monday's attack and the boy who helped save his sister. "He just kept going."

The girl, Destiny Wallace, was at a family member's home Monday afternoon, playing in the backyard with her 10-year-old brother, Kalyl Jackson, when the pit bull suddenly attacked her.

The boy heard her scream and ran to help, deputies said.

"He heard her screaming and then began punching the dog, and, when that didn't work, he went inside and got a knife and began stabbing the dog," Myers said. "When that didn't work, he began yelling for help."

A neighbor told deputies she heard the dog's barking and the screams of the children and ran to help. She said she called for her husband, who, deputies said, grabbed a chair and began to hit the dog.

The boy told the authorities the dog bit the 5-year-old girl several times and had dragged her around the backyard by her neck before the neighbor was able to help.

The two were at the home on Ashley Circle and briefly without adult supervision when the attack occurred, deputies said. The adult at the residence had gone to the store, Myers said.

The children were at the home while their mother was at work, according to officials.

The mother arrived at the house after Destiny Wallace was treated by EMS and taken to the Medical College of Georgia.

Officials said the girl is recovering and doing well.

The dog was picked up by Aiken County Animal Control.

At this time, the animal has not been put down, according to officials. No charges have been filed in the case.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.