San Diego, California — What was meant to be a peaceful beach getaway ended in a terrifying fight for survival after a Southern California woman was shot during an attempted carjacking while driving home through Tijuana with her beloved dog.
Cassandra Light, a life coach from San Diego, is sharing her story weeks after the violent encounter that left her with severe leg injuries and months of recovery ahead. Despite the trauma, she says one constant source of strength has been her nearly 2-year-old golden retriever, Ellie, who never left her side.
Gunfire Erupted During Alleged Carjacking Attempt
According to Light, the incident happened about a month ago as she was returning from a trip to Rosarito and driving through Tijuana.
She said an armed individual attempted to steal her vehicle and fired multiple shots in her direction.
According to a message shared on her GoFundMe page, one bullet entered through the driver’s side window, traveled across the vehicle and exited through the passenger door.
A second bullet struck her lower leg, causing devastating injuries.
“A second bullet went through my lower leg, shattering both my tibia and fibula before exiting the other side hitting my ankle.”
Light also described being thrown from her vehicle during the attack.
“I was then thrown from my vehicle out into the street… I was losing blood so fast.”
Her Dog Ellie Stayed With Her Through the Ordeal
Despite suffering serious injuries, Light’s first concern was for Ellie, who remained inside the vehicle.
She said adrenaline initially masked the pain, but when she tried to reach her dog, she collapsed because the gunshot had shattered the bones in her leg.
“When I tried to run to her I collapsed realizing all the bones in my leg had been completely broken by the gunshot and I had no ability to walk.”
Light said she repeatedly called Ellie’s name until the dog jumped out through the vehicle’s window and ran to her.
The emotional reunion became one of the few bright moments during an otherwise traumatic experience.
Strangers and First Responders Helped Save Her Life
Light said two women she had never met rushed to help after the shooting.
One of them applied a tourniquet to control the heavy bleeding until emergency responders arrived.
She was initially treated at an emergency room in Tijuana before being transferred to a hospital in San Diego for specialized care.
Since the attack, Light has undergone multiple surgeries, receiving a metal plate, a rod and several screws in her injured leg.
Doctors have told her that recovery will require months of physical therapy before she can walk normally again.
Long Recovery Ahead as Community Rallies Around Her
Beyond the physical injuries, Light said the incident has dramatically affected both her personal and professional life.
She explained that being unable to continue her work as a life coach has been emotionally difficult, especially after spending years helping others overcome challenges.
Throughout her recovery, Ellie has remained constantly by her side, even accompanying her in the ambulance and waiting while she underwent emergency surgeries.
“The EMTs, nurses, and hospital staff continually commented on her calm, gentle presence.”
Inspired by Ellie’s unwavering companionship, Light said hospital staff encouraged her to have the dog trained as a therapy animal so they can one day help others facing trauma and medical recovery.
She also said the financial burden has been overwhelming, citing mounting medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, legal fees, lost income and ongoing recovery needs as she continues healing from the life-changing incident.
What are your thoughts on this remarkable survival story? Have you ever witnessed the incredible bond between a person and their pet during a difficult time? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.