Pit bulldog victim wants judge to decide animal's fate

A Jasper County woman is asking for a judge to decide the fate of a pit bulldog that bit her in the face.

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We want to warn you, the pictures are graphic. The bite caused extensive damage to her nose, cheek, head and neck.

Patricia Sorensen is displaying scars on the back of her neck where a pit bulldog bit her last month. These marks are the small ones.

"I remember taking my hands and pushing my nose back up and holding my cheek. What was left of it, and falling to the ground," says Sorensen.

She says on February 17th, this dog jumped through a door at the Belli Deli South of Kirbyville. A restaurant she and her husband own.

"It was so intense, it's like he had already planned in his mind, in that split second, this is what he was going to do. I'd never seen anything like it in my life," says Sorensen.

The dog's owner, Ricky Byrd works for her husband. She says Ricky's wife, Amanda, brought "Nubs" inside just before he attacked.

Sorensen says she's never been afraid of animals. She owns several cats and dogd, but this attack changed some things in her life.

She can't remain outside for long because of an increased risk of infection, and she has to drink through a straw.

"A lot of inconsistencies you get used to doing, but you shouldn't have to," says Sorensen.

Since the attack she's had several surgeries, and may have to have more. But her biggest concern is the dog that attacked her.

"I thought about this from the time it happened and it's justice. It had to be done. People have to see what these dogs are capable of," says Sorensen.

A capability Sorensen says could have left her with even more severe injuries, ones that might have threatened her life.

The Byrd's have been charged with a third degree felony for the dog attack.

A judge is expected to decide the dog's fate during a hearing tomorrow morning.

Sorensen says she wants the dog put to sleep.

Friends and family have set up an account at the First Bank and Trust to help pay for Sorensen's medical bills.