“Oh shit!” Those were the only words that I was able to say when I saw one of the rescued pit bulls running towards Butch, the dog assigned to me today (12/23) at PARC. We were at least 30 meters (estimate) away.
The unnamed pit bull was being examined by one of the veterinarians when it got away. Instinctively, it immediately went after the first dog in sight.
The dog fighting syndicate did a pretty good (sarcasm) job of messing the dogs’ attitude and behavior. These criminals should be fed to these dogs.
I was caught by surprise and I had no idea what to do to keep the pit bull away. I was hoping that he would stop when I shouted but it appeared to me that he was determined to maim Butch.
As soon as he started biting Butch’s scruff, I thought to myself, “oh f*ck, he’s going to die”. I desperately tried to pull Butch away using his dog leash but I figured it’s bad idea to force it. Instinctively, (I think) I tried pulling the leash in such away that his neck is lowered, and away from the pit bull’s powerful jaw.
Fortunately, the vet and the caretakers were able to stop the pit bull before it “locks” his jaw. A few more seconds and I think it could have been much worse.
I immediately carried Butch away as soon as they got control of the rogue pit bull. Butch was extremely lucky to survive the attack with just a few minor wounds.
We later learned from one of the volunteers, a mom, assigned to the pit bulls that one of the cages was left opened. Luckily, it was facing the other direction. As if one raging pit bull wasn’t enough.
Out of the 227 pit bulls actually rescued, only 68 are in the care of PAWS. I think a few have already been put to sleep due to their hopeless condition. However, the remaining 150+ (just do the math), according to reports, have been sold or given away to the public.
One can only imagine the possibility of those dogs randomly attacking other dogs, cats, or even worse, children. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these “adopted” dogs will be on the news soon.
On a side note, the crazy person inside me was thinking, what if I tried to block or grab the pit bull before it got to Butch? or what if I tried to use my body as a shield? I would probably be in the emergency room right now and will be spending Christmas at a hospital. 
The bittersweet memories of today (supposedly the 5th) was instantly erased and shadowed by the scariest moment in my animal handling experience so far. 
P.S. I’m so sorry Butch. 
