Owners Of Poodle Attacked By Pit Bull In Ocean Gate Hopeful For A Good Recovery

Saphira, the poodle mauled by a pit bull when one of her owners took her out for a walk on Sunday in Ocean Gate, is recovering at the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, said Carol Hulbirt-Jackson, one of the dog's owners.

The little dog, who is not even a year old, suffered four deep wounds and lost her right eye in the attack. She has drains in all the wounds, and is receiving intravenous antibiotics and pain killers.

Her biggest problem is possible infection.

"They are hoping if all goes well, she will be home tomorrow," she said on Monday..

When the pit bull first approached Saphira, it was moving slowly.

"Then he looked up and pounced," Hulbirt-Jackson said. She was at work when the attack happened.

Her husband snatched up Saphira and was bitten by the pit bull and dropped his dog. The pit bull then went after Saphira.

"This dog proceeded to drag, shred and rip the poodle apart," according to the gofundme page established to help the family with veterinary bills.

Her husband dialed 911, police and Berkeley Township Animal Control. Then he drove Saphira to the veterinary hospital. He was so traumatized by the attack he had to take the day off from work on Monday, Hulbirt-Jackson said.

He also had his first series of rabies shots. But Hulbirt-Jackson said the pit bull's owner had furnished proof that the dog had been vaccinated against rabies, so her husband won't have to have any more shots.

Ocean Gate police have not released any information about the attack, despite several Patch requests.

A gofundme page has been established to help the family with veterinary bills. As of Monday night, $2,722 had been raised. The goal is $7,000.

To donate to the gofundme account,click here.

"This GoFundMe will help offset surgery, and future medical costs for Saphiria," the post states. "Please find it in your heart to donate. Thank you."

Image: gofundme.