Window cleaner's water saves mother and dog from Staffordshire bull terrier attack
A woman who was mauled by a Staffordshire bull terrier has thanked a window cleaner for 'saving her life'.
Housewife Carol Lowe, of Brewood, was walking her two Shih Tzus on Horsebrook Lane when the other animal attacked them.
Window Cleaner Matt Orgill distracted the dog, which at first clamped its jaws onto the backside of one of the small dogs named Olly.
When 54-year-old housewife Mrs Lowe managed to prise its teeth off her pet the Staffy latched itself on to her arm.
The mother of two said: "My dog was screaming from severe pain and trauma inflicted by this vicious and unprovoked attack. My other dog managed to run away in the direction of my house for fear of its own safety. I was screaming for help.
"I tried to prise Olly from the dog's jaws with my bare hands and it released the dog but locked fully onto my arm."
Neighbours had heard the commotion and tried to help, including Mr Orgill who threw water on the dog causing it to remove its teeth from Mrs Lowe's arm.
The traumatised victim then said neighbours Barbara and Julian Dyer took her into their home and tended to the wound.
Mrs Lowe has thanked them all, as well as staff at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton who she believed saved her arm.
She added: "After a struggle and agonising experience Mr Orgill managed to startle the vicious dog by throwing a bucket of water in its face, which caused it to let go of my arm. He saved my life.
"Mr and Mrs Dyer took me into their house along with Mr Orgill and tried desperately to stop the bleeding from my arm.
"I was taken to New Cross hospital where I am extremely grateful for the procedure performed by one of the surgeons in A&E. I feel in debt to the hospital for the saving of my arm."
A week on from the attack Mrs Lowe is still shaken and has demanded action to stop the dog targeting others.
She said: "There are children and dog walkers who use the lane every day. The safety and welfare of the community is paramount."
Staffordshire Police said it had traced the owner and was investigating the incident.
A spokeswoman said: "We received a call at around 1.20pm on Thursday, October 13, reporting a dog attack on a woman in Brewood.
"The woman had been walking her own two small dogs along Horsebrook Lane when a loose Staffordshire Terrier/Pitbull-type dog attacked them.
"The dog was later found by a passer-by and taken to kennels while the owner was traced.
"Officers are investigating the incident."
