He saw the other dog loose and decided to head home to avoid an encounter. The dog followed them up the stairs to our house. Dad went to pick Katie up, but it was too late. He was bit trying to get the dog off of Katie. Then the dog attacked him. A neighbor came over and helped fight the dog off and called the police. Katie is like our child. My dad made the police take her to the hospital before he would go seek medical attention.
Chandra’s dad went to urgent care for stitches and X-rays and might have to go to the ER; Katie, a Bichon Frise, is undergoing surgery, Chandra says, adding:
I believe the attacking dog was captured. I just want to remind people to always keep their dogs leashed or contained, especially if they do not do well with people or other pets. My family is so upset that this happened. It will cost hundreds of dollars to care for Katie’s injuries, all due to someone’s negligence. Imagine if there had been a small child with them. If anyone knows who the owner of the dog is, please contact Seattle Police. My dad described it as a large, black pit mix.
We are checking with Seattle Animal Shelter to confirm whether the dog was captured and whether its owner has been located, and will add anything more that we find out.
* Shelter spokesperson Ann Graves confirms they have the dog and are still seeking its owner. Meantime, Chandra published a comment with an update on her dad and Katie:
Just a quick update – My dad is back home, all stitched up. His hand had several puncture wounds, but the x-rays showed nothing was broken.
The folks at the VCA West Seattle Vet called about Katie awhile ago. It’s not our normal vet, so I was worried, but they have been very kind. The vet said Katie should be able to come home later tonight. She suffered extensive damage around her lip and gums.
We still haven’t figured out which neighbour stopped to help my dad. If you know who it was, please let me know so we can thank them!
(West Seattle Blog - July 24, 2013)
