Victim in deadly Grover Beach dog mauling speaks out for first time

Betty Long, 85, one of the victims in the deadly Grover Beach dog attack, finally broke her silence on Wednesday.

Long spoke with KCOY 12’s Sean Larsen on her road to recovery since the incident in December 2016 that killed 64-year-old David Fear.

“David is my angel.. he saved my life,” dog attack victim Betty Long said.

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney filed a two-count felony criminal complaint against the owner of the dog involved in the deadly mauling, former Grover Beach police officer Alex Paul Geiger, whom the DA says knew his dog, a 2 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois was dangerous.

“I could feel the dogs chewing on me and scraping on me,” Long said.

The animal was trained for police dog work in Kings County, near Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley. The dog was put down soon after the attack.

“No matter how long it takes, I’m going to enjoy life again, as I am already,” Long said.

Long just got released from the rehabilitation center she had been staying during her recovery process, and says she has about six months to go of in-home rehabilitation.

She fractured her skull, pelvis and left shoulder, which needed to be replaced. She also suffered a concussion, and dog bites throughout her body.

Long also thanks Fear for saving her life, and the community for the cards and support she has received.

“God was with both of us and without Dave I feel like I would not be here either, bless his soul for stepping in and doing everything he could possibly do,” Long said.