A 17-year-old girl from Richmond, California saved his four-year-old brother after their family dog attacked the youngster.
The vicious attack occurred on Dec. 29 at the siblings's home, after they were playing under a blanket on the couch, when their pet rottweiler joined the pair and began biting Kaizen Laset multiple times on his head.
"My daughter she grabbed scissors to stab the dog in the face so he could let go of my son," Kaizen's mother Ning Laset told KTVU.
The young boy was rushed to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, where he received 60 stitches, requiring him to shave off his long, dark hair.
"He's so strong," Laset said. "He never complained that he's hurt."
While Kaizen is expected to make a full recovery, the dog wasn't given the same optimistic fate.
Following the devastating mauling, the family requested the dog be euthanized by Contra Costa Animal Services.
Captain Jane Andreotti said there was no preemptive growling or barking from the rottweiler, and the attack was random and unprovoked.
This #Rottweiler dog was put down after he attacked a 4 year old in #Richmond on Dec. 29. The child's family had adopted the dog a couple of months prior to attack & dog was reportedly not aggressive. County officials say if you adopt, know the animal's background. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/bMd3kMRCLz
— Cristina Rendon (@CristinaKTVU) January 9, 2018
Andreotti said the family adopted the dog after it was found as a stray by a Good Samaritan. After seeing a post about the animal on social media, they adopted the pooch privately.
Andreotti said while it was an unfortunate event, it's important for new pet owners to socialize with their new pet.
"What we want to do is educate people to remember that socializing any animal, especially with children, to the success of that animal in that home," Andreotti said.
Now, Laset is warning the public on the potential dangers of adopting a pet with a history you're unaware of.
"He was such a smart and good dog. I'm in shock," Laset said. "Just be careful because you never know. We got lucky. The next family might not be as lucky as we are."
Andreotti echoes Laset's sentiments and said families wanting to adopt a pet should visit a verified animal shelter. She urges potential owners "to know the background of the animal, if possible, and to make sure the animal is licensed, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered."
Would you have euthanized the pet dog?
