Heroic Dog Badly Injured In Unprovoked Kicking Attack

Red, a golden retriever adopted from a Chico, Calif., pound who saved a 5-year-old boy’s life in May, is struggling with his own medical complications following a kicking attack.

Red, the recipient of a Congressional Plaque of Honor, and his companion, Bo, an 8-month-old German shepherd, were tempted out of their yard here on Aug. 16 and repeatedly kicked, police said.

The kicking assault was completely unprovoked, said Lt. Don Anderson. Paradise police have questioned three local boys identified by a witness and have recommended that the Butte County Juvenile Probation Department file charges.

Now, friends of the dogs are hoping to raise $3,000 to cover their medical expenses. The injuries include a dislocated hip, severely torn ligaments, and damage to their legs and internal organs, said Genella Paul, president of the Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers.

Three months before he was attacked, Red was in a neighborhood alley when a dump truck hit and nearly backed over a 5-year-old boy, said Christy Carr, who owns Red and Bo. The dog sat down in the truck’s path, attracting the attention of the driver, who could not see the boy, she said.

“Red started barking. He would not budge. The driver stopped for the dog. Then he saw the boy,” said Carr.

The May 14 accident left the child with a minor head injury and a tire print on his leg. Red was recognized as a hero in June when Rep. Wally Herger, R-Marysville, awarded him a Congressional Plaque of Honor for saving the boy’s life.

The Paradise Animal Shelter Helpers has established a fund for the dogs’ medical treatment at P.O. Box 1021, Paradise, Calif. 95967.