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Minn. Dog Owner Recalls Dramatic Eagle Attack

KENYON, Minn. (WCCO) -- A miniature poodle is recovering weeks after she was picked up and almost eaten by an eagle.

Peanut has been on the mend since her encounter with the bird on March 23. Her owner, Renee Schmidt, says she's lucky to be alive.

The Schmidt family's home backs up to the Zumbro River, which is a place where hawks and eagles are common.

Schmidt had taken her two dogs out back to play when the big bird attacked.

"The bird came swooping down right by the fire pit and picked up my little girl," Schmidt said. "I started throwing stuff out of the fireplace at it."

The eagle carried Peanut all the way to the top of Schmidt's house before dropping her. That's when Renee went after her.

"(I) got her before the bird started swooping back down," she said. "I thought she was dead. She was full of blood."

Peanut was rushed off to Kenyon Vet Clinic.

"It didn't take long to realize it was a pretty serious deal," said Dr. Brent Born.

Born had to give her a sedative. Peanut had a lot of cuts on her stomach.

"She had eight puncture wounds, two from big talons, six on top from three claws," said Born.

Peanut is fighting an infection right now, but she's expected to be OK.

Sonya Goins, Producer
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