— The woman credited with helping to stop a brutal dog attack on a Fayetteville man last month was honored on Monday at her workplace.

Laura Scales was given the Exceptional Employee Award from Cumberland County. The presentation was made during the county commissioners' meeting.

"I try to do one good deed every day, and that was my good deed of that day," Scales said.

On Jan. 9, Clifford Locklear says he was standing on Clinton Road when his cousin's pit bull mix came dashing across the railroad tracks, bit off the tips of two fingers, broke his hand and bit him in the thigh.

Scales, who was driving by, saw the attack, got out of her car and distracted the dog until its owner could pull the animal off the victim. She then stayed with Locklear, comforting him, until help arrived.

A few days later, with the help of WRAL News, Scales paid a visit to the hospital to check on Locklear.

The pair have stayed in touch.

"Actually, I talk with him on the phone all the time," she said. "We just spoke a couple of days ago.

"He's doing good. He's at home. He's doing rehab three times a week and on a slow road to recovery."

Scales was surprised by the award and the presence of her family at the ceremony to see her receive it.

Her father, Scott Forbes, said he wasn't surprised to learn she had sacrificed her safety for another.

"I was more concerned about her safety and that she came out of it without any scars," he said.

Scales says she hopes it inspires others to stop and do what they can if they see someone in desperate need of help.

Locklear missed the award ceremony but told WRAL News that he wished he could have been there. He is recovering at his mother's house.

He says Scales deserves that award and more for saving his life.