FLORIDA - An 84-year-old Pasco County man is recovering in the hospital Monday after two dogs mauled him over the weekend. Investigators say he was just walking to get his newspaper when the the dogs began their vicious attack.
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| Who knew a simple walk to retrieve the newspaper would end up in a fight for your life? |
"It shocked me," said Robert Anderson, a family friend. "He was really kind of like a father to me when I was young."
Robert and his wife Maria stopped by Ashmore's house on Monday to see how he was doing. Late Monday, Ashmore was in stable condition following surgery at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
The 84-year-old has a fighting chance to survive, mostly because of his neighbor, Ernie Nailer.
"When I opened up the door, I heard John screaming, dogs attacking, and I went running," he said.
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| Hero of the day: Ernie Nailer |
>>> The dog owners are Maurice Vankinscott and Olga Melendez. Vankinscott told investigators the animals managed to get through a hole in a backyard fence, escaping not only on Sunday, but on Saturday as well.
It appears Ashmore was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"They very rarely miss a service," said Dawn Haas, School Administrator at Heritage Academy, part of the church where the Ashmore's have gone for years.
Haas says the family has a very strong faith.
"They are the sweetest people you could ever meet. Literally, when you ask Violet how she is doing, she always says, 'I'm blessed'."
Now many are praying their faith can help heal some wounds.
ABC Action News attempted to speak with family members, but they requested privacy during this difficult time.
Police say the investigation into the attack continues, and the dog's owners may face charges, but at this point that has not happened.
(ABC Action News - August 16, 2011)
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