Family of Alberta baby killed by dog grateful for support

A family in Airdrie, Alta., whose infant son was killed by their pet husky last week issued a statement thanking the emergency workers and asking for privacy while they grieve.

The two-day old boy was mauled by the dog on Feb. 15. He was rushed to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, but died later that night.

In a statement released to the media Thursday, Rob and Rhonda Fradette thank the emergency responders and hospital staff who helped with their son’s care.

"The death of our son was an unthinkable, tragic accident," the statement says, adding that the family will not be speaking publicly. 

The family owns a number of Siberian huskies and operates a supply business for dogsledders. They also participate in dog races in both Alberta and B.C.

The statement released to the media on Thursday says all the dogs in the family have gone through numerous obedience training classes and that the family will never know why their pet attacked the baby.

The Fradettes also say they had attended a Calgary Humane Society "Old Pet, New Baby" seminar.

The fate of the dog will be determined at a court hearing on March 15th following a behavioural assessment.

"We have not yet entered into any discussions regarding the future of our husky, as both of us are still grieving the loss of our newborn son," the statement says.

The family has set up a memorial donation page to raise funds for the Alberta Children's Hospital intensive care unit.

"The Alberta Children's Hospital staff are [a] truly amazing group of people. Words cannot describe the quality of care they gave to our son and the support they gave to our family," the family says on the donation website.