CALIFORNIA -- A 67-year-old woman was viciously attacked by a 120-lb. Akita while walking near Cerritos KinderCare Wednesday afternoon.
The victim, who works at a nearby dental office, was taking her routine afternoon power walk near the KinderCare off Carmenita Road at about 12:50 p.m. Wednesday when she was mauled by the large dog, Cerritos Sheriff's Station Capt. Keith Swennson told Patch.
"Three women who saw what was happening, including a woman who is eight months pregnant, immediately came to the victim's rescue and started beating the dog to free her from its bite," Swennson said.
The attack left "both of the woman's arms stripped down to the bone," the captain said, adding that she reportedly suffered serious nerve damage in one of her arms.
The victim was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, where she underwent extensive surgery Wednesday night, according to Swennson.
Responding deputies helped corner the dog, which had somehow escaped from its owner's backyard on Droxford Street, the captain said. The animal was eventually picked up by Long Beach Animal Care Services, which is contracted by the Cerritos Station/Community Safety Center.
It is not immediately known what will happen to the dog next, but for the victim, a long road of recovery from the traumatic ordeal is likely ahead.
"If not for the aide of these women, it could have been far worse," Swennson said, commending the trio for their steadfast thinking and assistance.
Originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan, the Akita is a large spitz breed of dog that can weigh anywhere from 100-to-130 pounds.
(Cerritos Patch - April 25, 2013)
