Name: Nicole F.
Victim: Adult, Pet
Location: Walking down the street, in my neighborhood, New Jersey
Year of attack: 2018
Tell us about the attack
On 9/29/18, I took my 6-year-old, 10 lb. Pomeranian, Izzy, for a walk around my former neighborhood. I heard a man shouting “hey watch out!” I didn’t even have time to turn around: the pit was on us, immediately latching onto Izzy’s torso. I knew right away Izzy wasn’t coming out of this alive. I immediately dove onto the ground and neighbors came out, hearing my blood-curdling screams. Six grown men, mace right to the pit bull’s face, and she still would not let go. I stuck my hands into her mouth and tried to pry her jaws open. Izzy was in shock by this time. The pit bull finally released, but when I grabbed Izzy, the pit bull jumped up and grabbed his leg. I almost had to rip it off to get him back. He died in my arms on the way to the vet. Izzy’s causes of death were a combination of punctured lung, crushed ribs and ruptured spleen.
How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
In the weeks to come I had called two numbers for mental health emergencies, one being a suicide hotline. I also went to a walk-in clinic for the same reason. I have flashbacks of blood splatter, Izzy’s body, his face looking up at me. The attack itself will come in flashes. I have nightmares. I am scared to leave my house at times. Except for getting up and going to work, all I do is lay in bed. I would go for days at a time without showering or speaking to anyone and there are many times I wish I will go to sleep and just not wake up.
I now see a therapist and have utilized EMDR therapy for the flashbacks. I adopted a rescue and we have healed each other’s hearts. I have made peace with Izzy’s death, But my life is completely different from what it ever was.
I walk with a permanent limp.
Legal Consequences
I had come to find out Izzy was the second dog that pit bull killed. The owners got her back after the first kill. The Animal Control officers for the case were friends with them. They blamed me for walking around that neighborhood, and threatened my lawyer if I were to go through with a civil suit, as my injuries were not severe enough for a criminal case. When this pit bull killed a third dog, they finally put her down.
What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Pit bulls may be your “sweet never hurt a fly little iddy piddy”, until it happens to you. Until you are on your knees screaming in agony and horror to the skies above because you are SO damn helpless… because they don’t let go. Pit bulls just don’t let go.