On Saturday, April 5, 2025, my dog and I were going for a leisurely walk at 1 pm in the afternoon. We had just turned onto Mahon St. off of Linwood Avenue in Jamestown. As we approached the back of the large brick building on the corner, a large pit bull leapt off the cement stoop at the back of the building and viciously attacked my 12 pound Yorkipoo. What ensued was a horrific and violent attack that resulted in two very large wounds and bite marks. The owner of the dog was clearly unable to control her dog which she claimed was on a leash. We all ended up on the brick street during which time I was witnessing, to my horror, the dog trying to kill my precious dog. I reacted by punching the pit bull with my left hand/wrist. I truly believe that was what saved my dog’s life.

Somehow, I was able to get up off the brick street and get my dog into my arms. We headed toward West Virginia Boulevard. I did not know at this point whether my dog was dead or alive. WE were both clearly in shock and injured. I hysterically called my sister who said she would be right there. Then I called 911 to report the incident. The 911 operator said he would send an officer to the corner of Linwood and Mahon to try to see the pit bull and its owner. After limping home, my sister arrived in her car and she quickly arranged to take my dog and me to the Enchanted Mountain Emergency Veterinary Care in Olean. (As pet owners are aware, there are no emergency services available in Jamestown on the weekends.)

After arriving in Olean, Dr. Geis immediately started life saving procedures to stabilize my dog. After 4 hours in that facility, we took him by car to the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center which took an hour and a half. By 9 pm, my dog was in emergency surgery that lasted for 4 hours. Dr. Hong told us she was not optimistic and to prepare to lose my dog. He was there for 3 days in their intensive care unit. The care he received there was life-saving and exemplary. The doctors and staff cared for my dog 24 hours a day. His injuries were critical. We were able to bring a very sick dog home on Wednesday. Nine days later, we were back in Orchard Park for a second surgery to remove necrotic tissue and luckily, Dr. Kloc was able to completely close one of the large wounds. My dog is home again after a three day stay, but a third surgery would have been a possibility.

The dog who attacked my dog was not up to date on its rabies shot. Because of that fact, my dog needed to be given a rabies booster. The animal control person in Jamestown said he could issue the owner a summons that would amount to a $25 fine. The animal control person also suggested to her that she use a muzzle on her dog when outside and to get a stronger leash. (It is worth mentioning that the dog previously attacked another dog that lived in an upstairs apartment of that brick building.) Essentially, the owner of the dog will apparently not be held responsible for her dog’s behavior that caused unbelievable pain and suffering to my dog and to me. To date, Olean cost $1,146.77. The first stay in Orchard Park cost $5,337.28 and the second stay in Orchard Park cost $3,978.08.

A fellow dog owner just told me her dog has been attacked by three unleashed dogs this spring in the Allen Park neighborhood. Luckily, her dog was not injured. It is just a matter of time until a tragedy like this happens again to another dog. It is a given. Leash laws in Jamestown are often ignored (even when pointed out) and there are no consequences. Unfortunately, we will never go for a walk on the streets of Jamestown again. It is not safe.

Christine Peterson is a Jamestown resident.