A Tragedy On Yellowtail

Articles have been written concerning the lethal attack of Riley, a Bichon Terrier mix belonging to Ron & Louise Singer residing on Yellowtail Drive in Rossmoor. The dog that attacked Riley, also comes with a tragic story.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was found half starved along side a freeway by Steven & Eileen Mihalik. The Milhaliks finding him on the freeway also named the dog, "Freeway". During the past two years, Steven & Eileen Mihalk have provided Freeway with love and affection without any indication from him, of aggression of any kind. Freeway was also socialized with other family member’s and their pets. Recently, Eileen daughter was visiting from Switzerland and had purchased a puppy while staying with her parents on Yellowtail. The puppy, while home and visiting with Freeway, played throughout the days of it’s visits with Freeway, enjoying one another’s company.

Freeway has lived in the backyard which is protected by a backyard and a front yard fence. Somehow, Freeway, escaped from his backyard and then made the tragic mistake of instinctively hunting Riley, as small prey, in Freeway’s eyes. Freeway returned home safely, unbeknownst to Steve & Eileen, that their dog had just severely mauled their neighbors’ dog, Riley.

On Saturday morning, O.C. Animal Care contacted Freeway’s owners, Steve & Eileen and advised them that Freeway had attacked another dog on their street. Although Mr. & Mrs. Mihalik inquired as to who the owners were, O.C. Animal Care was unable to provide the information as their investigation was ongoing. It wasn’t until a friend brought it to their attention that there was a story on the internet that their dog, Freeway had attacked another dog on Yellowtail Drive. Not until today, Tuesday, November 29^th, did Mr. & Mrs. Mihalik learn that their dog, Freeway, had killed Riley, their neighbor’s dog who lived a few houses down from them. Upon learning this, Mr. & Mrs. Mihalik realized that due to a child close to the scene of the attack and the possibilities of the dangers that could have occurred, they sadly decided what they had to do with Freeway. Instinctively, both Steve & Eileen said Freeway seemed to know that something was wrong and tried to provide additional affection to his owners to make them feel better.

In this unfortunate and tragic chain of events, the two families are both devastated by their loss of Riley being killed and their loss of Freeway having to be euthanized. The Singers & Mihaliks met tonight providing condolences to one another along with tears and hugs to put this hurtful situation behind them. Steve & Eileen Mihalik would like everyone to know how bad they feel over the loss of Riley, as well as Freeway. They will miss Freeway forever, however, the knew they had to ensure the safety of the Rossmoor Community for the good of the kids and pets playing on Yellowtail.