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Dog Attack

By
Real Estate Agent with Sotheby's International Realty BRE # 01362887

Dear AR Friends,

My dog Buddy and I were attacked by 2 pit bulls last week while walking in my neighborhood. I only noticed them a split second before they jumped on me and took me to the ground. (I was holding my dog in my arms at the time.)  I sustained lacerations and bruises. Buddy ran, so they lost interest in me as I lay on the ground screaming, and they went after him. That is probably what saved my life, but the poor little guy (my cockapoo) sustained serious injuries.

By some miracle, my dog survived an interminable and vicious attack by the two dogs, whose only mission was to kill. No one could pull them off until their owner finally came out. Even he had a hard time controlling them. This is not a comment on the breed, but rather on those two specific, vicious animals. I have since learned that the dogs have attacked before. Several of the neighbors who tried to help are traumatized as well. The neighbors are addressing the issue with animal services and helping us as we recover.

I will not be on AR for awhile, other than to say Merry Christmas. I don't have the energy to put together my usual Blooper Blog, but I will continue to collect the best ones. Once I find my sense of humor again, I will be back. And please forgive me, as I probably will not respond to your posts, as I can't focus right now. The face will heal, and the leg and hip will, too; and hopefully, the trauma will pass soon. Most importantly, Buddy is getting better every day.  Until then, please be safe.  

Love and blessings to you all. - Gwen

Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

We've had a couple of conversations on this off site.  I continue to feel for you and Buddy.  It is the owner in this case who should be chastised, and those dangerous dogs removed and done away with.  We have had a couple of awful circumstances with dangerous dogs around here, incidences with little children, and here it is a police issue and they take action.  You should take any action necessary so this danger goes away.

Dec 20, 2019 03:07 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Gwen. May the authorities get involved and remove these animals. May you and your dog heal quickly!

Dec 20, 2019 04:16 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Gwen - I am sorry you and Buddy experienced this tragic occurrence.   Shame on that owner.  Here's to a full recovery for both of you and to better times.

Dec 20, 2019 05:33 AM
Krystin Mitchell, CPA CFE
KLSM CPA Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
Strategic Accounting & Tax Solutions

Hi Gwen - Hoping you and Buddy a speedy recovery, sorry you guys had this tragic experience. 

Dec 20, 2019 07:47 AM
Linda Piper
Planatek Financial, Inc. - Ventura, CA

Gwen:

I am so sorry to hear about this!!  I hope the owner of these two animals is dealt with by law enforcement.  Best wishes to you and Buddy for a complete and speedy recovery.

Dec 20, 2019 08:15 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

HI Gwen... I read this post with horror! How fortunate that both you and Buddy survived. We adopted a dog recently and the one thing I insisted on was no dog with pit bull bloodlines. Those are probably the only dogs that truly frighten me. Wishing both of you a speedy recovery and looking forward to seeing you back in the Rain again soon.

Dec 20, 2019 08:40 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Gwen,

Sorry to hear about your mishap.  And I am sure that Buddy and you will heal well physically and hopefully emotionally.  I am happy that you did not make it abour the breed, because we have had lovely experiences with the breed in our family, as well as the one who are on the beach here...This owner should contact Cesar Milan ASAP.  Wishing you a superb holiday.  BTW if you live close to Beverly Hills are you up to meeting for breakfast.  We will be there in January...A

Dec 20, 2019 11:06 AM
Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

Sorry to hear this Gwen. What a shock. It's amazing that those dogs, having attacked before, are still allowed their freedom. I hope you recover soon and that you have a comfortable holiday season.

Dec 20, 2019 03:36 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Gwen Banta I am sorry to heat about this. Hope you are doing better now. Please update us on your condition. Have a great weekend.

Dec 20, 2019 03:57 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Oh Gwen- I cannot imagine what that must have been like. So very sorry for you and for Buddy but glad to hear that you are both on the mend. Take the time that you need to heal. And I too applaud your not making this about the breed of dog.   Be well. 

Dec 20, 2019 07:03 PM
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Dear God, place your healing hand and touch upon Gwen (your gift to us here on AR),  and to her beloved Buddy in Jesus name!  

Dec 21, 2019 12:38 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

For heavens sake, you & Buddy are lucky to be alive. You hear of this on the news & it's horrible to hear it happened to an AR friend.

Rest & gather yourself. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Dec 28, 2019 01:42 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

How horrible Gwen Banta ! Like yourself, I am not against any breed of dog but owners who have taught and allowed their dogs to be vicious should serve time in cases where an attack like this is reported. I'm serious, they taught the dogs this behavior and allowed it. They should be brought up on attempted murder charges.

Feb 01, 2020 05:30 AM
Gwen Banta
Sotheby's International Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Thank you all for reaching out. Buddy and I have greatly improved. Buddy had a setback last week because the attack also injured his spine, but he seems to be doing better this week. The scars on my face are fading, so my biggest challenges are PTSD and pain in my left hip when I walk. I’m getting therapy for both. This event changed us both, but I am determined to not let it rule our quality of life. Your comments and concerns are so very much appreciated.

Feb 01, 2020 12:01 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Gwen Banta great you and buddy are improved. I agree, you should not allow this rule out your quality of life. Have a great weekend. 

Feb 01, 2020 04:43 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

OMG what a shocking and terrible event!  Glad to hear you're both doing better.  My heart goes out to you and Buddy.

Feb 15, 2020 01:17 AM
Gwen Banta
Sotheby's International Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Thank you, Georgie Hunter. We are slowly improving and I plan to go back to work next week. We both are still limping, but at least we balance each other out! :-) Have a wonderful weekend.

Feb 15, 2020 11:07 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Oh no Gwen Banta - I am stunned reading your story and so very sorry. I hope you are healing and I'm glad you and Buddy are on the mend. I'm guessing this was a terrifying thing to experience. I can't imagine the dog owners' lack or responsibility - any dog with propensity for violence needs to be kept on a very short leash. :( 

Feb 21, 2020 06:31 AM
Gwen Banta
Sotheby's International Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Thank you, Debb. We are working every day to put this behind us and to make sure the neighborhood is safe from any future attacks, as the dogs have a violent history. You are correct that the owners show a total lack of responsibility. I know they are in denial, but what will it take for them to open their eyes?!

 

Feb 21, 2020 10:54 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I'm seeing this late, I hope you have recovered. How are you ad Buddy doing these days?

My dog and I were attacked by two Great Danes last year and to this day I freak out at off-leash dogs when I walk Peroni. No dog will ever survive attacking us again though-I'm very alert. Similar happened to us, it came from nowhere in the night so very scary. I was clubbing my attacker with all my might and a 2lbd flashlight making no difference. Dog attacks are up since COVID, as a life-long dog owner, I still ama mzed people don't leash their dogs. I'm extremely unpleasant to them as a result of my PTSD. I hope you've recovered well these last 8 months. What's the update?

Aug 02, 2020 08:51 AM