(INSIDE EDITION) A Michigan family has been left in anguish after 4-year-old Kiyana McNeal was killed by her new dog after she tried to give it a treat.

Kiyana's mom, Jacey, had just bought the dog the same day from an Illinois man who brought the dog to their Michigan home, according to Kiyana's stepmom, Lorie May.

The family's Doberman died a few months prior of cancer and Kiyana and her mom were filling that void with a new one, according to May.

But what was supposed to be a bonding moment turned into a tragedy just 45 minutes after getting the dog when the Doberman bit the little girl in the throat, Lorie May told InsideEdition.com.

Neighbor Rebecca Davis told reporters that she heard hysterical screaming coming from next door and ran out to see Kiyana's mom sobbing over the girl's body.

According to Davis, Jacey tried to fight the dog off of Kiyana during the attack but couldn't.

"She got in between them and she got bit in the neck and in her hands," said Kenneth Davis.


Lorie May said Jacey called Kiyana's dad, Gerald Johnson, after the attack and said she "was covered in the blood and didn't know if she was going to make it."

Lorie May said a police officer told them Kiyana's mom did everything she could to save the girl.

"She loved her baby girl," said May. "Our hearts are broken. Kiyana was a ball of fire. She loved to sing. She loved to dance. She was compassionate beyond her years and full of life and wisdom."

May added: "She brought us such joy."