6-month-old baby girl dies after dog attack – heartbroken mom shares urgent warning for all parents

A 6-month-old baby girl, Ember Renee Southard, tragically lost her life after being attacked by a family dog—now her devastated mother is urging all parents to learn from the heartbreaking accident.

A tragic morning turns into a mother’s worst nightmare

On the morning of March 14 in Shelby County, Alabama, what should have been a routine doctor’s visit turned into the most devastating day of Anna Southard’s life. Her daughter, Ember, just 6 months old, was left in the care of a relative for what was supposed to be no more than 20 minutes.

But in that short window, a tragic chain of events unfolded.

While Ember’s mother and grandmother had not even checked in at the doctor’s office, they received a call that sent them racing back home. Anna arrived just behind the ambulance and collapsed in the driveway when she saw her daughter’s lifeless body.

The cause: a dog attack by an 11-year-old American Bully, a family pet that had never shown aggression before.

“She had the sweetest smile”: Remembering baby Ember

Ember was rushed to the hospital, with her mother riding in the front of the ambulance. Doctors at Children’s of Alabama worked tirelessly to save her, but the injuries were too severe. She passed away at 1:10 p.m.

In an emotional interview, Anna described Ember as full of light, with “the sweetest smile” and “big, beautiful eyes.” She had just learned how to roll over and loved to smile at everyone.

Her nickname was Noodle, a name lovingly given to her because of her tiny, “noodly” toes.

“There was never a more perfect baby than my noodle,” Anna said.

A moment of carelessness with tragic consequences

The dog attack happened while a family member was watching Ember. According to Anna, this person—who has epilepsy—fell asleep with Ember on their chest. At some point, Ember slipped off and was attacked by the dog.

Anna shared that the relative had a seizure after Ember was already in the ambulance. Though devastated and initially furious, Anna says she no longer plans to press charges, believing the emotional burden is punishment enough.

But her grief is laced with a sharp warning.

“My daughter is gone forever because they couldn’t follow a simple rule,” she said. “Any dog can kill an infant. There’s no reason to risk it.”

Community support and a mother’s plea

Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created to help with funeral costs, and community members have offered emotional and financial support.

But more than anything, Anna wants to use her voice to make sure no other parent has to endure this pain.

She’s asking families to follow safe sleep practices and never leave a baby alone with any dog, no matter how gentle that dog has seemed.

“Please, please keep your children away from dogs and follow safe sleep,” Anna pleaded. “This dog was 11 years old and had never harmed a human. It’s never worth the risk.”

The Alabaster Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Both dogs present at the time of the attack were taken into a 10-day quarantine by animal control. No arrests have been made, and final decisions are pending from the Shelby County District Attorney and Grand Jury.

A lasting legacy for little Ember

Ember’s story is already touching hearts across the country, and her mother is determined that her daughter’s short life will carry a powerful message.

This was a tragedy that could have been prevented—but through shared awareness and caution, it doesn’t have to happen again.

Let Ember’s memory be a reminder to all parents and caregivers— every moment matters, and safety should never be assumed—no matter how trusted the situation may seem.

If you’d like to support the Southard family, you can find their GoFundMe campaign here.

Rest in peace, little Ember. Your light, though brief, will guide others toward greater care and awareness.