Florida Woman Wrestles Alligator to Save Pet Dog

Lori Beiswenger would go to any lengths to protect her dog, even if that means fighting off a 71/2 feet alligator.

According to WFTS, Beiswenger was carrying out gardening chores at the Point O'Woods golf course which she owns in Inverness.

She suddenly heard a yelp from her nine year old terrier mix and turned to find her dog being attacked by a gator. The dog was being dragged into a nearby pool by the gator.

"I was screaming her name, 'Hope, no!'" she told WFTS. "Then I started screaming, 'Somebody help!'"

Beiswenger jumped into the water in a desperate bid to save her dog. She tugged at the gator's tail and tried to pull it towards her. Her third attempt finally forced the gator to focus on Beiswenger which forced the women to get out of the pond.

Fortunately, the golf course volunteer Jodie Daniels waded into the pool carrying a golf club and shovel.

"It was quite a shock to pull the dog up and the gator is still attached to the dog," he told WFTS.

Daniels later hit the alligator with the shovel as Beiswenger's dog Hope finally managed to break free.

A private company was later called to capture the animal. They killed the alligator and sold its meat to a nearby restaurant.

The dog underwent surgery and is currently on the road to recovery. It's scheduled for another visit to the doctor this weekend to have its stitches removed.