This post has been updated with clarifications provided directly by Ember’s mother to ensure accuracy. We are grateful that she reached out to do this and admire her courage and tenacity. As a grieving parent, she has found the strength and empathy to share about Ember and to warn other parents so that they can prevent this pain in their own homes. 

#pfdba 

The list of dog attack victims has grown so rapidly, we’ve felt unable to bear witness to anyone fairly. 😟

I’m choosing to remember Baby Ember today because a Risk Denier laughed at her photos in a post and said she was “ai generated.”

It’s amazing to me how easily bloodsport dog advocates forget the innocent victims, even outright denying their existence.

Ember, you existed. You were loved. You had everything to give to this world and a dog snuffed your beautiful light out instantly. We will never let them erase you.

#DBA

Victim: Ember Rene Southard

Age: 6 months old

Location: Alabaster, #Alabama, USA

Caregiver on site: Another family member

Dog involved: 11 year old American Bully 

Outcome: Transported to hospital, passed away

Baby Ember was being watched by another family member while her mother was assisting a different family member with a medical appointment.

A social media post previously referenced was written by a relative who lives approximately an hour away and was not present at the time of the attack.

According to the child’s mother, the family member caring for Ember fell asleep, the dog attacked her, and she was rushed to the hospital. 💔

Here is some of what Ember’s mother bravely shared to try to help other parents:

“My daughter was lost last Friday. It feels sickening to know I’m having to put my daughter in the ground. Please don’t let dogs around children.

Please, use my child as an example. Don’t fall asleep holding children on couches or chairs. Don’t allow your children around dogs. The dog that killed my baby was 11 years old and had been around numerous kids. There’s no reason to allow them around each other.

Everyone knew how strict I am with my safe sleep protocols and making sure the kids weren’t around dogs like that.”

Ember’s mom has consistently attempted to warn others after her unimaginable loss. If you analyze this case, please do so neutrally and with the goal of helping future parents. Do not shame grieving ones.

Today, in whatever way you can, please remember Ember. Make one intentional effort in the algorithm to ensure she is not erased or dismissed as artificial.

Thank you for what you do. You ARE making a difference. Someday, we won’t have any babies to share on this page. Let’s keep working toward that day.

— JL

#protectbabies #babiesfirst #parentsfordogbiteawareness #neverforget #foreverinourhearts 🕯️ #saytheirnames #standtogether #safety #publichealth #parentaleducation