Md. dog attack victim loved animals

MARYLAND -- The victim of a Frederick County pit bull attack was an 87-year old man who still drove a big rig hauling milk and was remembered by co-workers and neighbors as an animal lover.

Eugene "Smittie" Smith told co-workers at Clouse trucking that he often slept with the 84-lb neutered male pit bull that ended up mauling him to death Wednesday in his home while he an his son's fiancé were taking down Christmas ornaments.

Shocked co-workers said Smith was known for always having a pocketful of treats for any animal he met.

The four-year old dog was adopted by Smith and his son from a rescue organization in May. Officials are still looking into the dog's background. The animal was euthanized after the deadly attack.

Officials have no history of complaints about the dog from neighbors.

Smith is remembered as a remarkably kind, hard-working man who was deeply dedicated to his job hauling milk from the region's farms to market in an 18-wheel tanker truck. He continued to work at age 87.

(WUSA9 - January 8, 2015)