Rose Hartzog thankful for support after dog attack

During this season of Thanksgiving, a Barnwell woman is thankful to be back at work nearly four months after a dog attack.

Rose Hartzog was viciously attacked by a pack of loose dogs on July 18 as she walked from her home on Country Park Manor to her job at Subway in downtown Barnwell. The attack left Hartzog with multiple injuries and led to numerous charges against the owner of the dogs, Angela Ray.

“God brought me the whole way. I thank him every day I wake up. I’m taking things day by day. It’s rough for me, but I’m not going to give up. God’s got me,” said Hartzog.

Returning to work earlier this month after being released by the doctor played a big part in regaining a sense of normalcy.

“We are happy to have her back. She was definitely missed. A lot of customers have come in to see her and welcome her back also,” said co-worker and friend Tracy Grubbs.

“Rose, your smile brightens everyone’s day,” said Barnwell resident Shanon Bragg.

Likewise, Hartzog is glad to be back at work to serve her customers.

“I thank God for letting me see everybody,” she said. “Being around people makes it better and helps me a whole lot.”

She’s also glad to be reunited with Grubbs and Bethany Lewis, who are not just her co-workers but also good friends.

“I love my girls. They are true friends. When I need to talk, they are always there. I don’t think I could make it through the bad times if it wasn’t for them,” said Hartzog of Grubbs and Lewis.

She is also grateful to Jennie Ann Brown, who was the one who heard Hartzog’s screams during the attack and came to her aid. Brown, 74, and Hartzog, 49, have known each other for years and often see each other when Brown comes to Hartzog’s neighborhood to feed stray cats. They had a brief chat just before the attack, but Brown soon heard screams. That’s when she grabbed a stick and started fending off the dogs from further harming Hartzog, allowing her to get away and seek medical help.

“She’s my lifesaver,” said Hartzog of Brown. Brown calls Hartzog every day.

In addition to Grubbs and Lewis, she is thankful her sister Melissa Hartzog, her friend and son’s godmother Kathy Googe, and her family for being there every step of the way and checking on her.

She is also thankful to the community for everything they’ve done, including meals, calls, visits, donations, and prayers.

“Without this community, I don’t know where I’d be,” said Hartzog, who asks for continued prayers. “I thank God for being here with my kids.”

Though physical and emotional scars remain, Hartzog is relying on her faith, family and friends as she regains a sense of normalcy.