Dog in the Park

On January 13, 2024 I was walking my dog at Bel-Aire Park in Clarksville starting about 1pm. As a responsible owner, I always walk my dog on a leash. Even though my dog is friendly, I know the published park rules regarding leashes. There were others in the park by the play area. After a little time walking the park's track, we went to the small part of the park nearer the swimming pool. Since there were no children in that area, I put her on a retraction leash so she could sniff around with greater freedom. The leash is heavy duty meant for larger, more powerful dogs.

As we sat supposedly alone near the building by the empty pool and upon the small embankment, around 1:45p, suddenly a pit bull dashed around the corner of the building, came up the embankment and instantly attacked my dog. I didn't see any person at that time as my dog was being savagely bitten. The pit bull, of course, was not on a leash. Oddly, it had a harness that indicated it was a service dog! In a few seconds an older woman appeared who, I assumed, was the owner. But it could have been someone just enjoying the park as I was, coming over to render help. There was no other car in the lot so this woman must have lied in the neighorhood

Whenever I leave home, I carry my .45 caliber handgun. This caliber is the one I was trained on as a soldier in the US Army. There is never a round in the chamber because I don't expect the need for quick response in this state. I feel better having it with me where I can keep an eye on it.

As the dog fight continued and not seeing the woman doing anything to control the pit bull, I instinctively drew the handgun, of course keeping my trigger finger in the safe position as trained and, as I remember, pointed at the ground. Knowing, as everyone knows, that pit bulls are dangerous dogs, I was concerned that the frenzied dog may decide to leave off biting my dog and lunge at myself and this woman that arrived on the scene. It became apparent that the woman was, indeed, the owner of the dog for, seeing the weapon at my side she asked me not to shoot her dog. Seeing her fall onto the pit bull I concluded it was hers and that the likelihood of being assaulted by the pit bull abated, I holstered my weapon instantly. I suppose the woman assumed I was about to neutralize the pit bull threat even though I didn't aim it and certainly not in that direction of the dogs. There would be no way I would shoot, even if a round was chambered or if I was inclined, ecause I was not willing to inadertantly shoot my dog. In the time since, I realized that if the dog lunged at me, the woman or the people in the park I wouldn't have been able to shoot in time anyway!

Having fallen upon her dog (I think she may have got tangled in my retractale leash) and regaining some semblance of control, I pulled my still leashed dog about four feet away. My dog was crying, but I thought it was because of the distress, suddenness, and viciousness of the assault. There, despite my own emotional trauma (I was mulled by a pit bull as a mail carrier and still suffer pain and numbness), I quickly ran my hands over my dog's legs and body searching for breaks or blood as she trembled and cried. I could find no evidence of wounds or fractures.

I asked the woman for ID that I could use to contact her in the event I discovered injuries or symptoms appreared. She had no ID, but she said her name was Delores. She gave me her phone number as she profusely apologized for being responsible for the attack which I felt was sincere. I assumed she expected to pay for any veteranarian treatment as a result of her clear negligence and after apologizing constantly. Apparently she was a law enforcement officer at some point and would understand liaility.

I thought the event was over until I found blood on my dog once I got home. I found a severe deep puncture wound and scrapes on her side. We cleaned it up but determined, because of the serious nature of the wound, she should see a veterinarian. That determination proved wise, for the next morning she could barely walk, which she struggled at with much whimpering.

We took her to the National Veterinary Specialists in Clarksville. They were able to discover additional wounds, some even much more serious than the one I found myself the night before. They ran neccessary tests to see what kind of antibiotic and pain relief medicine they could safely prescribe. My determination was to make this visit as inexpensive as possible so as not to burden Dolores with non-essential costs. Beside the time lost and two sleepless nights (dog cried and whined in pain) the encounter cost merely $378.92 hospital and $19.68 prescription costs.

Due to the constant care and attention the dog required, we have to stay with her until she recovers to some degree. We have had to cancel dentist appointments and my wife's catarac surgery this week because of this assault.

I would have expected that Delores, after accepting responsibilty for the injuries and trauma, would feel morally obligated to pay for the vetenarian care given her negligence and understanding from being a law enforcement officer criminal/civil concerns. At this point she feels that I should pay half.

Delorus proably lives in the neghborhood near the park. Her dog is a light brown and white pit bull that might e registered as a service dog. She can be reached at 347-255-1022. If any more information regarding deolras or her dog, you can get it from the pit bull's vet at the Banfield Pet Hospital. The Hospital confirmed that deloras was a client. I wanted to confirm that the pit was up to date on shots but they didn't share that information due to privacy policies.