Woman Launches Park Mission After Dog's Horrific Death

Bunny Miller experienced nightmares for weeks after Lhasa Apso dog named "Oscar." 

Oscar and Bunny walked three times a day, including the night he was killed - this past Easter evening. 

"We were heading back home and, out of nowhere, came this dog," Bunny said. "He grabbed Oscar in his jaws and started shaking him." 

The dog was Bunny's friend's American bulldog, a breed much larger than the Lhasa Apso. Oscar was also blind and never saw his attacker.

What made headlines in the days following was not the Lhasa Apso's death, but Bunny's heroic and brave actions to try and save Oscar. 

Miller wrestled with the American bulldog. She bit his ear. She threw a flashlight at him, all in an attempt to save her companion of 10 years. However, Oscar was severely injured and later died at home. 

"The horrible thing of the whole event was I failed to be able protect my dog," Miller said. "It was very frustrating that I could not save him." 

Months later, Miller's new mission is to turn Oscar's tragic death into a positive for herself and the town of Portsmouth. 

In Oscar's memory, Miller is now spearheading a campaign to construct a dog park in the town of Portsmouth. A committee is now forming with plans to meet, hopefully, later this week. 

"It's something good that can come out of a tragic event," Miller said. 

Julie Sweeney, the Newport Animal Control Officer, and Peter Manning, a dog trainer, have already agreed to serve on the committee. Previous work has also been completed for the park. 

Miller hopes to encourage a diverse membership for the board. She hopes to fund the off-leash dog park through pet suppliers, advertising on the fencing, selling naming rights or with private donations.  

"My hope is we can have a plan and get back to the council in 6-8 weeks," she said. "That might be too optimistic.

"I would also like to give a bench in the memory of Oscar." 

If you would like to join the committee, contact the Portsmouth Town Clerk's office at Town Hall with your name, phone number and e-mail address.