On Oct. 12, representatives of the Ripley Fire Department presented a Lifesaver Award to Raylyn for her quick and calm action during an emergency at her home. The award reads: Raylyn Rotunda, Presented by Ripley Hose company No. 1, “You are a lifesaver! Thank you for everything you do! #Real hero.”

On August 3, Raylyn’s mother Samantha Koslowski and her grandfather, Dale Koslowski, were badly bitten by a dog. Raylyn, who had recently learned fire safety when she visited the Ripley Fire Hall with her Girl Scout troop, went into action.

According to Mrs. Koslowski, the family was at home, along with Samantha’s father, Dale, who was petting their English Mastiff, Stella. For an unknown reason, Samantha said, their boxer mix, Punk, suddenly attacked the mastiff.

“Next thing we knew, they were in a full fight, with our other three dogs trying to help break things apart by pulling at the back legs of the mastiff, but not in a way that looked like they were adding to the fight,” she said.

Ripley Kindergarten student Raylyn Rotunda received this award for her action when her mother and grandfather were bitten by a dog.

As this was happening, Raylyn was on the couch and grabbed ahold of the baby’s walker so he could not get close to the fray, Samantha said.

Finally, Samantha and Dale were able to get the dogs apart.

“Once they were apart, Punk latched onto my father’s calf, thinking it was the mastiff, and took a large chunk of his calf out with his canine teeth,” she said. “When Punk lunged at Stella again, I reached out with my hand and Stella accidentally bit my hand.”

When all the dogs were separated, Samantha said they called her mother who told them to get an ambulance because both Dale and Samantha were bleeding profusely.

“I remember Raylyn talking to 911 and saying ‘We need help. Mommy and Papa were hurt in a dog fight,'” Samantha said. “Raylyn helped get towels, washcloths and a belt for first aid until the ambulance came.”

The Koslowskis went to the emergency room at Westfield Memorial Hospital and Dale Koslowski was later transferred to Hamot to see a specialist.

“We are extremely proud of Raylyn and her bravery. She held herself together well and kept her baby brother safe and away from the situation,” Samantha said. “She constantly asked what we needed and if we were okay. I honestly don’t believe I even saw her cry until it was all over.”

For her part, Raylyn said she was afraid, but more for her mom and grandfather.

“I was scared for my Mommy and Papa. I don’t know why Punky hurt them or why she hurt Stella when all Papa was doing was petting her,” she said.

Raylyn knew what to do because her mother had taught her to call 911 in an emergency and kept contact numbers available. She also attended training at the Ripley Fire Department with the Girl Scouts.

“I knew what to do because I listened carefully to Papa and Mommy and did as they said, like getting the phone and who to call and what to say,” she said. “I was nervous about talking to 911 because they were not here, but I told them my Mommy and Papa were hurt. Then Grandma answered other questions, too, to the people on the phone.”

Raylyn did not know she was going to receive the award on Wednesday. It came as a total surprise.

“I didn’t know I was getting anything,” she said.

Raylyn is a member of the Daisies in Girl Scout Troop 20089 led by Vicki Mosier.

“We are super proud of her,” Mosier said.

The Daisy level of the Girl Scouts includes those in kindergarten or first grade. As Mosier put it: “Every Daisy meeting is an adventure filled with giggles, energy, and excitement. As a Daisy a girl might gain new friends as part of a troop, earn petals (the special Daisy version of badges earned by older Girl Scouts) as she embraces the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Journey and explore nature and the outdoors.”