Name: J.S.
Victim: Adult, Pet
Location: Public street, California
Year of attack: 2020

Tell us about the attack

In August of 2020 my wife and I were walking our female German Shepherd, taking the same 1 1/2 mile route in our neighborhood that we take every day. We were two houses away from the gate that leads to our house. I noticed a white pit bull behind a driveway gate that is set back about 30′ from the street. The pit bull was eyeing our dog and tracking it, and a man who had just picked up mail was walking back toward the pit bull. I thought to myself, “I hope he doesn’t let that pit bull out.” We were about 10′ past where the pit bull was, when I saw this blur silently running at full speed, then attacking our dog, going for her neck. I grabbed the pit bull’s tail to get it off my dog, then it bit me on both legs. My dog had to go to the animal hospital, and me to the ER. Never, ever trust a pit bull.

How has your life changed as a result of the attack?
My wife now carries pepper spray when we do our walks, and she is now leery of large dogs, though she was not afraid of them prior to the attack. I’ve never trusted pit bulls because of previous experiences.

Legal Consequences
Litigation is pending against pit bull owner. Pit bull was put down. My medical bills are around $6,000 from the attack.

What would you like people to know as a result of your attack?
Don’t trust pit bulls, especially around other dogs and children.