Expert shares tips to fend off dogs during attack

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- For years, Monica Garza has run in the Houston marathon, competing in the half-marathon division. She has the ribbons to prove it.

On March 5, she was running along a hike and bike trail near her home in south Harris County. For 6 miles, she had the trail to herself. On her final loop around, there was a pair of dogs that stopped her in her tracks.

"I knew I'd run into trouble," the young mother-of-two says. "And then their eyes locked onto me."

Garza's instincts prompted her to call 911 for help. Even as the operator was on the line, the dogs charged, knocked her down and began tearing away at her clothes. Her screams went on for 10 minutes, until a husband and wife -- both in their 60's -- who live next to the trail heard what they thought were the screams of a child who'd fallen from a bike.

Instead, they were confronted with the image of a woman being dragged through water and mud. Her arm was in one dog's mouth and her leg in another's. The animals were ripped through flesh and muscle on Garza's legs.

The mother never lost consciousness. When she felt as if she could no longer fight, she said she grew quiet and 'played dead.' It didn't deter the attack. Instead, one of the dogs bit her ear.

It was then that Garza's rescuer came. Mr. Jordan, as he's known, threw himself atop Garza and was bitten several times as he served as the barrier between the animals and the woman he saved. Mr. Jordan's wife distracted one of the dogs and called for medical help.

Garza is recovering now after more than a month in a hospital. Jogging is, for now, impossible, after skin grafts. But she walks and walked out of the hospital, which nurses predicted would be impossible. She proved them wrong.

She is one of the casualties of dog owners who let their animals roam often unneutered or spayed. Left on their own, dogs run in pairs and packs, which is when they can grown emboldened and aggressive.

We went to HPD's canine division. Part of the dog's job description is to bring down fleeing suspects, but they can be called off with a command. Aggressive street dogs don't respond as well.

Officer Monroe Gage is on the receiving end of the K-9 practices. Wearing padded overalls, and armor fashioned from Kevlar and carpeting, he plays bad guy. In return, the dogs are able to perfect their apprehension technique.

Kevlar goes only so far though. Officer Gage usually ends the session with a few "canine impressions" and bruises.

He loves his job. But he also knows a lot about dogs, including how to defuse a dog attack. His rules include:

• Never stare a strange dog in the eyes. An aggressive or frightened animal interprets that as intimidation
• Don't run, it can turn you into prey to be chased down
• Turn you body to the side, to provide a more narrow target. Gage recommends you keep your hands behind your back so they won't be bitten.
• Screaming may work against you and agitate the dog even more.
• If you walk alone, carry a stick or something that could be used to fend off an attack.