Arizona: Man and his dog attacked by pit bull while at park

ARIZONA -- Ben Sanders added 2 new photos — at Daley Park, Tempe.
October 8, 2017 · Tempe, AZ ·

Bad Dog ... Good People.

This morning at Daley Park, our little dog, Skippy, was viciously attacked by a pit bull that also threatened a nearby girls softball team.

The pit bull was running loose in the neighborhood with a Doberman Pinscher. I was holding Skippy to try to keep him away, but was knocked down by the pit bull, which literally "went for the jugular" of our dog -- and bit me, too.

Sarah Sanders and I were on the ground fighting with this very bad dog when very good people intervened.

Two men ran over and helped me pull the pit bull away. Sarah was able to take Skippy to the safety of a woman's nearby SUV while another called County Animal Control. These women were so kind and compassionate, caring for (and even praying for) Sarah and Skippy, and treating my bite wound.

The men controlled the pit bull until the Animal Control officer arrived. The dog had no tags, and will be quarantined for 10 days as a precaution.

The vet and techs at University Veterinary Hospital took care of serious wounds to Skippy's neck and ear, while the doc at the Little Clinic treated my minor bite wounds. 

Sadly, and no doubt due to the shock and blur of the events, I can't tell you the name of any of the amazing people who helped us today -- but we are deeply grateful for each person.

My point in sharing this extended story about our bad dog experience today is that in both the great tragedies and disasters of our time as well as in the much smaller traumas of everyday life, it is heartening to observe and experience the goodness. kindness, compassion, care, and even courage and heroism of volunteers and professionals alike -- good people in bad situations.

Thank you all.