Bob Flynn and his wife Joy were walking along Parker Street with their 13-year-old fox terrier cross ‘Max’ when they were set upon by a large dog.
Bob received several puncture wounds in the attack, as he tried to protect his pet, which was also injured.
Bob and Joy grew up in Cootamundra and were married in the town but now call Sanctuary Point home.
The couple visit Cootamundra two or three times a year and are regular competitors in local and regional bowls tournaments.
They were set to play in a major tournament in Young over the weekend, however due to Bob’s injuries had to withdraw.
In the days since the attack, the couple has been overwhelmed by the support of the local community.
They say the love, care and support shown by the people of Cootamundra has far outweighed the negative aspects of the incident.
“The people of Cootamundra have been so friendly and caring towards us since the attack,” Joy said.
The couple, who were staying at the Caravan Park, received a number of visits from strangers who were concerned about Bob and Max.
“People we had never met before wanted to make sure Bob and Max were okay and were asking if we needed anything,” Joy said.
“This town is a town that should be proud. There are so many great people in Cootamundra. A town is about its people,” Joy said.
“We even received a lovely card and a home made quiche from a local resident who had witnessed the incident.”
Inside the card was the heartfelt message “I feel so saddened with what happened yesterday.
“Cootamundra is a beautiful friendly and nurturing country town and we hope you will visit again.
“I hope you can both move on one day at a time and keep tripping around the country side in your comfy caravan and walking your beautiful, faithful dog.”
The incident occurred outside the IGA supermarket. Joy said Max was on a lead and without warning a large pit bull, which was unaccompanied by an owner, attacked Max.
“Within a matter of seconds Bob was on the ground defending Max,” Joy said.
“He had his hands in the fully grown dog’s mouth trying to get it to stop attacking our dog. Bob was being tossed around like he was nothing.”
Joy believes the quick actions of local businessman Paul Deep from Kevin Deep’s Clothing and Footwear saved the lives of both Bob and Max.
“Paul used all of his strength to choke the dog to make it release Bob from its jaws,” Joy said.
“We can’t thank Paul enough for his help in a stressful and very frightening situation.”
Bob was conveyed to the Cootamundra Hospital by Ambulance with injuries to his hands, arms and face. The injured pet was taken to the vet.
Both Bob and the terrier were released later that day.
Bob and Joy describe Max as a friendly loyal companion who loves his daily walks.
After a final doctors check over on Monday, the couple returned home, taking with them the memories of the kind gestures shown by the people of Cootamundra that they will never forget.
Cootamundra Shire Council has advised the pit bull involved in the attack has been put down.
(Cootamundra Herald - Nov 23, 2011)
