U of A student hailed as hero

Global News

Wednesday, January 08, 2003
An Edmonton university student is being hailed a hero after he saved a little girl from a vicious dog attack last weekend.

Caitlin Bobryk and her little sister were on their way to the grocery store in Vermillionon on Saturday when they were attacked by the dog.

The dog mauled the 10-year-old and when it was over, she was covered in blood from bite wounds up to three and a half inches deep on her arms and legs.

"It felt like getting stabbed with a knife over and over," she told Global News.

The dog, a black Lab cross that lived next door to the Bobryks, was often tied up outside and left alone.

Veterinarian Tim Goodbrand says it appears the dog wasn't socialized properly.

He said this kind of neglect is common, and that some people should not own dogs.

As for Caitlin and her family, they have learned a lesson about the kindness of strangers.

The attack came to and end when 19-year-old Brett Buchanan fought the dog off.

The University of Alberta arts student said he didn't think twice about jumping in to help.

The dog's owner has not apologized, but police say he is being cooperative. He faces a fine of at least $200.