Small Dog Faces Amputation After Attack By Pet Guarding Dead Owner

SHELTON, CT — A small dog was attacked Thursday on a Seymour trail by another dog that was protecting its owner, who had apparently died from a medical emergency, police said.

Now, there is a call for monetary donations after the dog suffered serious injuries. The dog was being treated in Shelton as of Thursday.

The incident occurred on a designated trail near Wakely Street in Seymour on the morning of July 16.

Seymour Police Chief John Bucherati told Patch a man, 54, from Oxford, "had some sort of medical issue" and collapsed and died while walking his dog, described as a pit bull-type breed.

A passerby noticed a person on the ground at approximately 6:49 a.m. and called police, Bucherati said.

The dog remained in the area to protect its owner, and attacked a smaller dog that was walking by with a female owner, Bucherati said.

Arriving officers saw two dogs in an altercation, and they were able to separate them. The smaller dog was severely injured and transported by Woodbridge Animal Control to VCA Shoreline Veterinary Hospital in Shelton.

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105), a Seymour resident, posted a call for help on Facebook on Thursday, as the injured dog was facing emergency surgery, including a leg amputation.

Klarides-Ditria said initial treatment costs for the injured dog are estimated between approximately $5,700 and $7,130, not including after-care.

"Squiggy's owner is understandably traumatized and now facing significant emergency vet bills," Klarides-Ditria said.

Donations can be made directly to VCA Shoreline Veterinary Hospital, 895 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT, 06484; phone number: 203-929-8600.

Prospective donors should mention their donation is for Squiggy.

"This was a heartbreaking, no-fault tragedy that could have touched any of us," Klarides-Ditria wrote. "Please keep both families in your thoughts."

Bucherati said there is no foul play suspected in the man's death, and the cause of death is under investigation.

It was not immediately clear Friday morning what condition the two dogs were in.