Pet owner responsibility

Today Rick and Darby and I were out for a short walk around the neighborhood when a pit bull-looking dog came running our way. I saw her coming and told Rick, "Heads up," and all three of us assumed that this was a meet and greet situation. Before I knew what was going on, the dog had latched on to Darby's side. We were all scared, and Darby just wanted to run away but the dog would not let go. I didn't know what to do, I was so scared for Darby. She was so scared. I remember yelling and kicking at the other dog but I didn't want to get bitten either--I watched my sister get bitten when we were young and I've been leery of dogs I don't know ever since. I remember watching her skin stretch as both dogs pulled away and all I could think was that we didn't have a local vet. Please let go. Please don't hurt my dog. Please stop.

It seemed to last forever and I seemed so helpless. The woman that owned the dog came running and tried to help. I don't remember how it ended, but Rick told me later that he picked up the other dog and it let go of Darby. I ran after her, trying to catch her, and Rick handed the lady the other dog and told her not to put it down so it wouldn't go back after Darby. I caught Darby and the owners apologized and swore they had a sweet dog and if they would have noticed her running and would have said stop, she would have.

I didn't notice a collar on this dog. The dog was not on a leash. We were not on their property; in fact we were across the street and down a house or two. Darby did not bark at this dog. This attack was totally unprovoked.

All of this could have been prevented if they would have been more responsible. Dogs should be leashed or in a fenced back yard. Maybe your dog has never wandered from your yard, but it has the ability to. Maybe your dog has never attacked anyone, but it can.

We were all shook up, but somehow, luckily, no one was hurt. I have no idea how Darby got by without the other dog breaking her skin. Rick was lucky to not have gotten bitten in the process. Darby's pretty sore on her side and wore down many of her rear toenails to the quick trying to escape. She ran and hid once we realized she wasn't bleeding and let her go, but she's warming back up. She hardly ever barks, but tonight she's on edge, barking every now and again at what I assume is nothing. But she's enjoying the extra treats and attention she's getting tonight.

The other owners told us to send a bill if we took her to the vet, but after discovering both animals were current on vaccinations and that there wasn't any blood (and a quick call home to Dad), we didn't end up taking her. We are so lucky it wasn't worse. I hope the other owners take this seriously and don't let their dog run loose in the front yard (or open garage) anymore. There are young kids in this neighborhood and many other dogs and no one should be scared to walk around our neighborhood because of a vicious animal.

Pet owners: please be responsible. Be aware that even though your animal may not have done something in the past, it can if given the opportunity. Please leash your dog unless it is in an enclosed fence; be proactive on keeping others safe.