Woman says she was attacked by dog while searching for service dog

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A woman searching for a missing service dog tells Channel 2 Action News another dog attacked her during her search.
               
Janice Richter is recovering at her Stockbridge home after she claims a dog attacked her as she searched near for a missing service dog named Lilly near a business along Moreland Avenue near Interstate 285 in DeKalb County.

"You're going to help a dog and the end result, I don't find the dog but I get attacked by a dog. Yes, it's ironic," Richter said.
              
Janice told Channel 2's Michael Buczyner she decided to volunteer Saturday morning after learning about the search for Lilly on Facebook.
              
The 7-year-old toy Pomeranian service dog disappeared July 18 after a car accident along I-285 near I-675 in DeKalb County and hasn't been seen since.

Richter said a 70- 80-pound dog attacked her from behind as she walked along Moreland Avenue in front of the business.

"Suddenly, I felt a big tug on my right leg," Richter said.
              
Richter, who's a dog lover, vividly shared her story of the attack with Buczyner.

"They came up behind me. There was no growling, no barking, I heard nothing. I just felt my leg being jerked backwards," Richter said.

We stopped by the business to speak with the owner, but several dogs greeted us moments after we arrived.

Janice received four stitches to close the two-inch gash the dog left behind.

"I've had quite a bit of swelling, it's starting to bruise and it's almost impossible to walk," she said.
              
Doctors give Richter a tetanus shot.  She is expected to make a full recovery.

WSBTV