Nearly a week after the attack, the bites remain clearly evident on the girl’s face.
Still, her mother Olga Rodriguez said Bertha is not afraid of dog – in fact, she was just playing with a small Chihuahua a few days ago.
However, Rodriguez adds, she doesn’t want the dog responsible for the scars on her daughter’s face, anywhere near her.
"I asked the judge not to allow the dog to come back to my neighbor's house," Rodriguez said.
Both parties met with the judge Tuesday, and he agreed.
The dog will not be returning to the home on D Street in Brownsville, however, the dog’s fate is unclear.
"People that have dogs need to be careful,” Rodriguez said. “I think they should euthanize the dog. What if it attacks somebody else?"
On Monday, Bertha will travel to San Antonio for the first of many surgeries aimed at minimize the long-term damage to her face.
 |
| An earlier news story said his name is buddy and identified him as a 'collie mix'. Looks a bit like a St bernard mix to me |
Up to four trips will be made, which financially is going to be hard for the family.
"I also asked the judge if my neighbor could pay for the gas expenses that we'll be making on these trips," Rodriguez said.
Despite the attack, Rodriguez said she holds no ill-feelings towards her neighbor.
They are both due back in court Tuesday where a judge will decide if Rodriguez will be reimbursed for her gas expenses.
[I was wondering why the circumstances of the bite weren't being reported, but I found them at another article.
"Bertha's mom said Bertha walked into the neighbor's yard... She said the toddler 'loves animals and tried hugging the neighbor's dog"... That's when the dog attacked."
Someone explain how this is the dog's fault? He was chained up in his own yard when this child (no, I'm not blaming the child. She's a baby and can't be held responsible for anything -- but the child's mother is totally and completely at fault in all of this). Where is child protective services investigation on this woman? Who lets a toddler go BY THEMSELF to a neighbor's house where a dog is secured???]
(Valley Central - Oct 4, 2011)
