The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Warning from victim of vicious dog attack in Glenrothes park.
13-year-olds raced to help Shannon Robertson and her pet after dog attack
Two teenagers who rushed to help a traumatised woman after her dog was attacked have been praised for their kindness.
Thirteen-year-olds Maxwell Reid and Taylor Kelly showed no hesitation when they raced to help Shannon Robertson as she defended her pet in Whitfield recently.
They made sure both the Barnhill teacher and her blue staffy Tyler were safe and well, despite the owner of the aggressive German shepherd failing to do the same or apologise.
Maxwell’s grandmother Margaret Brady spoke of her pride and said the pair’s behaviour is exactly what she would expect from them.
“He’s been raised like that but both Max and Taylor are kind-hearted boys,” said.
“Max would run over to anyone if he thought they were in trouble.
“I’m not just saying that because he’s my grandson, he is always being praised for different things. He hates bullies and would always stick up for people.”
Shannon said she had to throw herself to the ground “like a shell” to protect her 10-year-old dog Tyler in the July 16 incident in the Tranent housing area in Whitfield.
She said the German shepherd sprinted over and bit Tyler before she desperately tried to fend off the animal as it bared its teeth and tried to reach him.
The man eventually retrieved his dog but both Shannon and Tyler were left very shaken.
The attack has been reported to Dundee City Council’s Animal Control Service, which handles reports of aggressive or out-of-control dogs.
Margaret said the Braeview Academy youngsters had been worried about Shannon and Tyler after witnessing the attack and were relieved when they saw her story in The Courier and knew they were fine.
“They were sitting in the playpark when they saw the dog running over to her,” she said.
“They didn’t realise at first what was happening but quickly saw it become aggressive.
“Max said the wee dog was shaking like anything and she was in shock.
“They even offered to walk her home afterwards but she said she was OK.
“It’s not the dog’s fault, it’s the owner’s fault. Shannon had Tyler on the lead and this bigger dog wasn’t.
“I hope it doesn’t make Max worry about dogs now because he loves them.”
Shannon, who has given the two boys food vouchers as a token of her gratitude, added: “I want to say a massive thank you to the boys, they were great support and should be praised for their immediate action and kindness.”