Pit bull perils





On April 17 my puppy, Rosie, and I were attacked by a pit bull named Blue on our greenbelt in Westlake Village while taking our usual daily walk. There is no way to describe the terror, shock and trauma that occurred in trying to save my baby’s life, feeling helpless to get someone to respond to our cries.

After the owner finally pulled his dog off of us, I ran to a nearby house with blood all over me, hoping to find safety, but was refused. So I ran across the street to Sandy Bartlett’s house, not knowing if anyone would help me in my horrified condition. Sandy opened her arms to me, struck in horror by my bloodied arm and Rosie’s condition, and called 911.

She also later became my only advocate in what turned out to be a real struggle with authorities from the Sheriff’s station and the Animal Control office. I was blamed for being hysterical and not being able to calm down by a deputy of Ventura County, and treated with disgust.

The Animal Control authority, Linda Osborne, blamed me for “intervening in a dog fight,” causing a “ruckus” among the neighbors and refused to take the pit bull into custody, even though the dog had ripped a chunk of flesh out of my arm and my dog had been taken to the vet.

But Sandy came to my aid in so many, many ways and was the only bright spot in this whole ordeal. She was kind and compassionate, and I’d like to thank her publicly for being a “Good Samaritan” to me.

Unless you’ve been mauled by a pit bull, you don’t understand the terror and trauma of such an experience. Sandy did. Thank you so much. Cheri Lee Westlake Village

Editor’s Note: The pit bull was euthanized following the attacks.


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