Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley, UK, died of rabies after being scratched by a puppy while on vacation in Morocco. Her daughter, Robyn Thompson, shared the heartbreaking story to raise awareness. “It was such a mild scratch, there was no blood, and the dog didn’t seem unwell. We thought nothing of it,” Robyn said.

Months later, Yvonne developed severe symptoms, including headaches, hallucinations, and difficulty swallowing. Doctors confirmed she had rabies, but by then it was too late. “Once symptoms appear, there’s only one outcome — death,” Robyn explained. Yvonne passed away on June 11 at Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

Robyn is now determined to prevent similar tragedies. She plans to volunteer with Mission Rabies in Cambodia, a charity focused on vaccinating dogs and educating communities. “If I can save even one life or spare one family this pain, I’ll be turning a terrible negative into something positive,” she said.

Robyn described her mother as “the most loving person imaginable and a wonderful grandparent” who will be dearly missed.