I was 19 years old when I was attacked by a pit bull. It’s been a long time, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
I’ve always been an athlete, so it wasn’t unusual for me to go jogging whether rain or shine. On one rainy summer day I decided to head to the track, despite my mother’s disapproval. I assured her that I wouldn’t be long. “I should be back before dark,” I said. I wish I would have listened to her that day and stayed home.
By the time I parked the car in my high school parking lot, the rain had tapered off to a light mist. It was a very muggy day. I was wearing my blue spandex with one of my old high school t-shirts. I got out of the car, closed the door, tightened my shoe laces, and began a light jog onto the field. I had decided to do laps around the entire field instead of just running around the track. I figured that I’d get more of an intense workout, since I scarfed down a brownie sunday the day before. Anyway, it didn’t take long because within seconds of hitting the field I saw a pit bull, without a leash, running in the distance. He was probably about a quarter of a mile away at the time. But, in the blink of an eye he was within inches from me. I will never forget the look in his eyes, as if I were his next meal. He didn’t waste any time charging after me. His brown, solid frame wasn’t the least bit fazed by me pounding away at his head. In fact, it must have made him more angry.
By this time, he had my right leg in his mouth. The owner, who must have been no older than myself, told me to keep still. “How am I supposed to keep still?” I yelled. I fell to the ground, and then a voice in me said, “Get your ass up! If you don’t, then you’re done.” By the grace of God, I got up. I kept fighting. The owner kept trying to control the vicious animal. I remember he kept punching the dog in the side. I’m not sure what that was supposed to do, and I ‘m not sure it helped the situation. That pit bull was relentless! He didn’t seem tired in the least bit. After what appeared to be an eternity, he finally let go of my leg. Then within seconds, he came after me again. I thought I was dead for sure. I remember tears flowing down my cheeks like waterfalls. I remember the young man saying, “walk away slowly.” I then turned halfway and limped back to my car with my blood soaked, torn, blue spandex.
Once I got into the car, I broke down. I couldn’t believe that I lived through that attack! You’re probably wondering if I reported the incident, or sued the owner. The answer to both questions, NO! I just wanted to get out of there with my life and all of my body parts. I don’t think I told my mom until days later. Thankfully, I didn’t need any stitches. If I didn’t fight like hell, I could have needed surgery or even loss a part of my leg. Who knows? In retrospect, I should have been tested for rabies and gotten a shot. I know now that not reporting the incident probably wasn’t the brightest decision. It’s one of my biggest regrets. I also shouldn’t have gone running. Ever since that day, I don’t think I’ve been the same.
I’ve always been terrified of dogs my whole life, and this incident made it worse. As a matter of fact, I thought I had gotten over my fear before the attack. But, it ended up setting me back big time.
To this day it’s extremely difficult to even walk down the street without thinking that a dog is waiting to pounce. I would never forget the look in this dog’s eyes. I can close mine and a picture of him pops in my head.
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| This isn’t the actual dog that attacked me. But, looks very similar. |
Luckily, the actual scar on my leg has faded. But, the images will probably be forever etched in my brain. I don’t think I will ever forget this experience. If I had it my way, I would erase it from my memory completely because it affects me to this day. Now that I have my little Princess I want to protect her from these kinds of animals.
The attack was like a chain reaction because I can recall hearing about so many similar situations not too long after that. Moreover,
recent pit bull attacks have been cropping up in the news lately, and it has brought me back to that place. One story in particular was featured in almost every news outlet in New York City, including the Daily News. A four year old boy was mauled by a pit bull in his own home in Bensonhurst, NY over the Memorial Day weekend, right in front of his young siblings. His mom was in another room, when it all started. This story in particular struck a cord with me because the family also claimed that this young boy was afraid of the animal. It’s also been reported that this dog was trained to fight which begs the question. Are dogs responsible for the horrible attacks? Should we blame the owners for not training these animals properly? Are pit bulls or any other dogs safe around young children? It’s just sad and it breaks my heart when I hear or read about stories like this little boy. My heart breaks. Every time I feel like I’ve moved on from my personal attack, stories like this brings me right back to that place. There was another incident this week where a father and daughter were attacked by two pit bulls as they passed out religious flyers door to door in Greenburgh, NY. The scene got so violent that cops ended up shooting and killing one of the animals. It’s sad, but that officer had to protect himself and others in the vicinity. I think he made the right choice in this particular situation.
Let’s be clear, I am not a dog hater. I just wish stories like this would never happen. Now that I have a child of my own, it makes it even worse. I would love to hear your thoughts. Good or bad, agree or disagree, I appreciate the feedback!