Chris Fowler, a resident of San Jose, experienced the unimaginable horror of witnessing his emotional support cat, Tootie Pootie, being savagely attacked and killed by an aggressive dog on July 8th, according to KRON4. The grisly event unfolded as his nine-year-old feline companion was sitting outside the apartment on Magliocco Drive, enjoying some fresh air. To make matters worse, Fowler was also bitten by the dog while attempting to save his precious pet.
Surveillance footage shows a man, a young girl, and their apparent pit bull approaching the area where Tootie Pootie was resting. Although the girl was walking the dog on a long leash, she quickly lost control when the animal lunged for the cat. Fowler's struggle to pry his cat from the dog's jaws was unfortunately unsuccessful, despite his valiant effort. Tootie Pootie was ultimately euthanized the next day due to the severity of her injuries that included internal bleeding and broken bones.
(Chris Fowler)
Fowler is now filled with grief and calling for justice against the dog's owners, who apologized and fled the scene without providing any contact information. The heart-rending video of the attack has been shared on websites such as Nextdoor, in hopes of identifying the perpetrators. Understandably, Fowler wants to hold the dog's owners accountable for their animal's actions, stating to KRON4, "I want the owner of the pit bull to be held accountable and responsible for his animal's action."
San Jose's city ordinance mandates that dog owners keep their pets on a leash in public spaces, which cannot be longer than six feet. The incident has been reported to San Jose's animal control agency, which is currently investigating the matter. San Jose Animal Care and Services spokesperson Jay Terrado informed KRON4 that they would pursue a Dangerous Dog hearing if the owner is found.
Distraught over his loss and facing mounting veterinary bills, Fowler turned to social media platform Nextdoor for assistance in coping with the aftermath of this nightmare. His post comprises an earnest cry for help in identifying the dog owners, as well as information on how to address the looming legal and financial issues he is grappling with.
Seeking further help, Fowler initiated a GoFundMe campaign to aid in covering the overwhelming veterinary bills that have come with this tragedy.
Now, with Tootie Pootie gone, Fowler is left with nothing but memories of his cherished companion. In an outpouring of grief and incredulity, he told KRON4, "I have no family. She’s been through some of the roughest parts of my life and meant the world to me. She was so sweet and innocent. It is unfair the way she died. I miss her."
