A helpless mum who tried in vain to stop a dog attack was forced to watch on as the family pit bull mauled her one-year-old daughter to death.

Blakely Blosser was killed by the pit bull at her home in Dover, Ohio, on July 2. Her mother Nicole had leaned over in order to pick up some laundry when Blakely was behind her, which led the pet to turn violent. In the single moment Nicole turned her back, the dog growled and jumped at Blakely, biting at the helpless baby several times, including at her throat and face.

Nicole bravely tried to save her child and sustained bites and cuts as she attempted to pull the dog away from the baby. But the pit bull would not let up and killed little Blakely after biting down on her, according to authorities.

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Nicole tried to call 911 as she fought off the pit bull, with emergency services stating they could not hear anything when Nicole first called. She managed to get through the second time she called, and told an operator that a dog killed her baby.

Emergency services raced to the home with Blakely being pronounced dead shortly after they arrived at the scene. Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell told Fox8: "The mother clearly put up a fight...I'm not sure any of us could imagine doing that. I have children and I can't imagine a worse nightmare."

The sheriff said Blakely's dad, Derrick, had not been home during the dog attack, and added the pet had been put down. Before the attack, the pit bull reportedly never tried to attack another person, although it had shown signs of aggression toward other dogs.

Prosecutors are now reviewing the situation although no charges are expected to be filed, Fox8 said. An obituary for Blakely said: "Born on May 23, 2024, Blakely brought immeasurable joy, light and love into our lives from the moment she arrived.

"With her bright eyes, infectious giggle, deep stare, and fearless, courageous spirit, she touched the hearts of everyone who met her. Her joyful essence shone brightest when she was playing with her brother. Their bond was pure and filled with laughter, offering moments of joy that will forever reverberate in the hearts of our family."

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised to support Derrick and Nicole following Blakely's death. As of Wednesday evening, the page had raised $16,010 out of a $20,000 target.

All donations will go toward the couple and toward any expenses they may face, including time off work, counselling and memorial services. "No family should have to face something like this alone—and while we cannot take away their pain, we can help lift the burdens that come with it," the GoFundMe said.