Aripine, Arizona – In a heartbreaking incident that has left the Aripine community in shock, 9-year-old Shiree Barney was tragically killed by the family’s Cane Corso guard dogs on Friday, August 9, 2024. The devastating attack occurred when Shiree stepped outside her home to turn off the water lines, a routine task that took only ten minutes but ended in tragedy.
Shiree’s mother, Shirley Barney, shared her grief in a poignant Facebook post, expressing the family’s devastation and their efforts to find solace through their faith. "This past week, our sweet daughter, Shiree, graduated from Earthly Angel to Heavenly Angel. For multiple years, we had Cane Corso guard dogs that had been trustworthy with our children. Shiree went outside by herself for just 10 minutes to turn off the water lines, and they attacked and killed her in that short time. We were completely shocked and devastated. But, we have felt God’s healing and peace through all of this."
The incident is under investigation by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Navajo County Animal Control. The family had requested that the dogs be euthanized following the attack, a request that was honored by the authorities.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to help cover the funeral expenses for Shiree. The fundraising effort is intended to alleviate the financial burden on the family, allowing them to focus on mourning their loss.
The community has rallied around the Barney family during this difficult time, with numerous individuals offering their prayers and support on social media. Dawn Lea commented on Facebook, "Praying for all. No words could ever comfort at a time like this," while Diane Lindon Coy added, "Our dear God alone can comfort the family as there are no words in all humanity that can do so."
Shiree Barney is remembered as a joyful and loving child who had a deep faith and a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Her mother, Shirley, reflected on Shiree’s character, saying, "She is such a sweet, giving, and obedient girl. She loves our Heavenly Father deeply and has a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is so valiant! We know that she is happy to be reunited with our Savior, and with her older sister. And we know that we will see her again. She is dancing in heaven now."
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy, Brian Swanty, also expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating that no one should have to respond to such a call. The investigation into the incident continues, but the focus remains on supporting the Barney family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
The community’s outpouring of support, both financial and emotional, highlights the collective grief and solidarity in the wake of this tragic event.