Shannon Pugliese with her dog, Keegan. Ms. Pugliese said she was bit by another dog while she and Keegan were at the Portsmouth Dog Park on May 30. She’s trying to find the owner so she can verify rabies vaccinations.

To the editor

On May 30 at approximately 10:45 a.m., I entered the Portsmouth Dog Park with my dog Keegan (Australian cattle mix). 

A medium-height (came up to about mid-thigh), tan, shaggy dog began to come after Keegan. The owner pulled back, then let go from its collar and the dog lunged at Keegan for a second time. Before the dog lunged for the second time, I pulled Keegan from my left side to my right side, turning my left arm and back to the tan dog. The tan dog proceeded to bite my left forearm. 

I told the owner that her dog attacked mine and I did not feel comfortable in the park. I had not realized I was bit until after the woman left the park. I was wearing a black Roger Williams University sweatshirt.

As a result of the dog bite, I have needed to see two doctors, receive a tetanus shot, antibiotics, an X-ray for my sprained wrist, and will have to receive a series of rabies vaccinations per the Department of Health. 

The owner appeared to be a heavier-set women, about 5-foot-3-inches to 5-foot-5-inches tall with medium-length brownish red hair. She drives a blue sedan vehicle. Animal control was contacted immediately.

I do not want to go through a series of rabies vaccinations; please help me find the owner of this dog to verify rabies vaccinations. 

Shannon Pugliese

23 Valley Lane

Portsmouth

Contact: 203/731-9895