UNITED KINGDOM -- Liam Brock, 20, needed 35 stitches after the dog locked its jaws around both his arms for a terrifying half hour.
He suffered seven puncture wounds, crushed nerves and damage to his arms in the mauling by the dog that has since been put down.
He was only saved when a neighbour helped remove the ferocious pet and put it in a cage before cops arrived and took it away.
Former college student Liam fell in love with the dog after it was found abandoned and tied up on September 25 in Griston, Norfolk.
The dog, which he renamed Marley, attacked him a month later on October 27 as he went into his bedroom at his home in Carbrooke near Thetford, Norfolk.
Liam was rushed to the hospital for treatment and now has no feeling in his right hand.
He has been warned by doctors that he might need a nerve transplant in his left arm which was also mauled.
Mum, Carol Brock, 44, said: “The dog was on him and he was on the floor and I heard screaming.
“I couldn’t do anything but I feel guilty because you are meant to protect your kids. I couldn’t take that animal off him.”
She added: “He is only 20 with his life ahead of him and it is now ruined in a big way.”
A Breckland Council spokesman said: “Although the dog had not shown any signs of illness or aggression while in the authority’s care, we knew nothing of its history or temperament.
“It is unfortunate that Mr Brock’s act of kindness has had this outcome.
“We appreciate Mr Brock’s rehoming of the dog and would encourage anyone wanting a pet to visit and talk to their local rehoming centre.”
(The Sun UK - Nov 16, 2012)
