Good intentions turned tragic Sunday for three Calvin Township residents.

Jennifer Hansford and her grandchildren, Ariel and Anthony, were attacked by a black pitbull that the family had found malnourished and were trying to nurse back to health.

According to Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke, his deputies were called to the 63000 block of Crooked Creek at approximately 5:41 p.m. Sunday.

Hansford, 44, was trying to save the lives of her 2-year-old granddaughter, Ariel, and 7-year-old grandson, Anthony, who were being mauled by the dog.

Deputies arrived at the scene and apprehended the pitbull.

She told authorities the dog jumped on Anthony after he got off the trampoline and was running. She was able to get Anthony away from the dog and inside the house.

Ariel then got off the trampoline and the dog attacked her near the head.

Hansford received 15 stitches in her arm.

Anthony sustained minor injuries, while Ariel had to be transported to Riley Hospital for Children where she has remained.

Cass County Animal Control Director Ronald Butts said there are several ways to recognize an aggressive animal and how to defend yourself if an attack happens.

“Whenever you encounter a stray dog, do not run away from it,” he said. “When you run away screaming and yelling you key up the dog’s prey drive to chase and follow. Try to remain calm with your arms down to the side. Face the dog and in a stern voice tell it to go home.”

If a dog is going to attack, Butts advises people not to turn their backs on the animal or they will lose sight of it.

“If you are carrying something like a backpack, try to get the dog to focus its attention on that and away from you,” he said. “If you are not carrying anything and you are not carrying a protective chemical spray like pepper spray, try to back away from the dog. Try not to make eye contact as the dog may see that as being challenged.

“Protect the vital area by covering your head, face and neck. If you are able, try to jump on top of the dog and pin it down. It can change its thoughts if it feel like it is losing. Yell for help as loudly as you can because at that stage you are in a dire situation.”

The dog came from a neighbor’s house. The owners could face charges under Michigan’s Dangerous Animal Law, which is a four-year felony.

The Cass County Prosecutor’s Office is still reviewing the case and no charges had been filed as of press time.

The pitbull will be quarantined for 10 days and the dog could be put down after that. The decision of whether to destroy the animal or not will come after a rabies test.

The case has been turned over to the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, which will decide if formal charges will be brought against the dog’s owner.

Deputies were assisted by Pride Care Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance, MedLife helicopter, Penn Township Fire Department and Cass County Animal Control.