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Family That Lost Dog To Bees Given New Puppy

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 29, 2008

TAMPA - A day after a swarm of bees fatally stung an 18-month-old pit bull mix, the dog's owners received unexpected news: a Tampa woman who heard about their story offered them a newborn puppy to replace the one they lost.

More good news arrived today for Lisa Pham and her family. A woman from a pet memorial business in Pinellas Park who saw the story on TBO.com called Pham and told her she would provide free cremation and memorial services for their dog, Mimi.

"It's something we wanted to do," said Sharon Martinache, regional director of Pet Angel Memorial Services. "We're really happy to help the family."

Pham said before Martinache's offer of a free memorial service for Mimi, she was not sure she could afford a cremation.

"I was really amazed," Pham said today about the show of support from Tampa Bay area residents.

"She was crying, she was so happy," said Mary McSwain, who wanted to donate a puppy to the family after reading a story in today's Tampa Tribune. McSwain's dog Roxy just gave birth to a mixed-breed litter of 11 American bulldog and pit bull puppies.

"We have something to look forward to again," Lisa Pham said after she spoke with McSwain today. "My kids are so excited. I don't think we stopped crying until we heard about the new puppy."

The puppy, named Dora, will be given to the Phams in a few weeks after it is weaned from its mother, said McSwain, who coincidentally is nicknamed "Mimi."

"When I read the story, I was like, 'That dog's named after me,'" McSwain said about Mimi the pit bull mix.

Pham leashed her dog in the backyard of her Largo home Monday afternoon and minutes later heard the animal yelping. When she looked outside, Mimi was rolling on the grass, surrounded by bees. She sprayed water to drive the insects away, but several flew toward her and stung her.

Firefighters with the Largo Fire Department also could not shoo away the Italian honeybees in time to save Mimi. The dog was stung more than 1,000 times and died of cardiac arrest at an animal hospital, Pham said.

It is not known what provoked the swarm, but beekeeper Jim Forholt, who removed the hive Monday night from the home next door to the Pham's, said overcast conditions tend to agitate bees.

Martinache said Pet Angel workers picked up Mimi's remains this morning. Pham's daughters will choose a complimentary urn Wednesday and the dog will be cremated Saturday.

The Phams will also be given a clay paw print of Mimi, Martinache said. Such services usually cost more than $250, she said.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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