The U.S. Postal Service says 31 letter carriers have been attacked by dogs since 2013.
The attack on Buddy Siso happened in Golden Hill two weeks ago. He said a dog broke through a chain-link fence and got a hold of his throat and leg.
"I still have nightmares," Siso said.
He said he used his mail bag to block a part of his neck while the dog attacked. Blood can still be seen on the bag strap.
Afterwards, Siso said he required plastic surgery to his neck and still has visible injuries all over his body.
"The plastic surgeon who sewed me up [said] ... if it had been any deeper, it would have been fatal," said Siso.
Just last December, 10News featured a training class for postal workers. The video advised letter carriers to put a physical barrier between themselves and the dog.
Siso said that move saved his life.
"The first thing I did was move my satchel ... the dog was there very quickly," said Siso.
A neighbor with experience in first aid training also rushed to help.
Sandra Mellow helped stabilize Siso and treat his wounds while waiting for help.
"When I saw him, I knew something big had happened," Mellow said. "I just kept telling him to apply pressure to his neck."
The U.S.P.S. said the owners of the dog handed it over to animal control to be euthanized.
Siso said he wants to go back to work for the U.S.P.S. but may not be a letter carrier any more.
(10News - Aug 1, 2013)
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