Animal Control Officers Celebrate Girl’s 3rd Birthday After Dog Attack
Published on March 06, 2025
Animal Control Officers aren’t typically known for attending birthday parties in uniform.
Most days, they’re out helping lost animals find their homes, educating the community about responsible pet ownership, and ensuring the safety of both people and animals. It’s a demanding and often unpredictable job. However, February brought a unique opportunity for Animal Control Officers Natalie Southerland and Ryan McDaniel, alongside several Fort Worth police officers—including Officer Pamela Rodriguez. The group was able to step away from their usual duties and join in celebrating a special birthday on the city’s North side.
They gathered at the home of Camilla Rivera, a vibrant 3-year-old, to celebrate her birthday. Camilla’s joy was contagious, especially when she saw Officer Rodriguez again. “Camilla hadn’t seen Officer Rodriguez in weeks, and she just ran up and gave her a big old hug,” said Camilla’s mother, Gabriela Rodriguez. “It just warms my heart to see my daughter so happy. She really loves her.” The officers weren’t there just because it was a birthday party—they were there because of a bond they had formed with Camilla over the past year.
A little over a year ago, on January 5, 2024, Fort Worth Animal Care and Control, Police, and Firefighters responded to a heartbreaking call. It was the kind of call no parent ever expects: a dog attack. At the time, Camilla, who was just under two years old, had been at a sitter’s house when she became the victim of an aggressive dog. “It was devastating for our family,” said Gabriela. “We left Camilla with a sitter, trusting that she would be okay.” The attack was severe, and Camilla was rushed to the hospital, where she would undergo multiple surgeries to recover from her injuries.
Through those harrowing moments, the first responders, including the Animal Control Officers, were there every step of the way. “Animal Control did an amazing job; they were even there with us at the hospital,” Gabriela recalled.
Thankfully, over the course of the year, Camilla’s resilience and the care she received helped her heal physically and emotionally. At her 3rd birthday party, surrounded by presents, cake, and love from family and friends, it was clear that Camilla had triumphed over the trauma. “I’m just so grateful for everyone who helped me get through this,” Camilla’s mother shared.
The celebration that day wasn’t just about the presents or cake—it was a powerful reminder of the impact that first responders, including Animal Control Officers, can have on the lives they touch. “I’m very blessed and thankful for everything they did—not just for Camilla, but for our entire family,” said Gabriela.
For the officers who helped Camilla that day, seeing her so happy and healthy, laughing and thriving, was truly a moment of joy. In a world where the job of Animal Control Officers may often go unnoticed, this story serves as a beautiful reminder of their vital role not just in protecting animals, but in caring for the community as a whole.