'There Was Blood Everywhere,' Client Says of Pit Bull Attack at Tinley Park Clinic

A pit bull named Buddy awaits his fate, after he attacked two vet techs at a clinic in Tinley Park Feb. 21.

Buddy is being held by Cook County officials following the violent encounter inside the clinic at 17745 S. Oak Park Ave., and a county judge will decide the dog's future during a "vicious dog hearing." The 7-year-old dog's foster family has petitioned Tinley Park police and Cook County to save their beloved family member. 

"We love this guy and don't want to lose him" wrote Anthony Concialdi in the Change.org petition to "Let Buddy Come Home. "Cook County wants him destroyed. I am willing to accept any restrictions that may be imposed on the condition of his release. I will build whatever fence, post any sign, use a muzzle in public and with all future vet visits. Whatever it takes."

A client present at the clinic that day said the case goes beyond feeling sympathy for a dog who's getting a bad rep. 

It was mere seconds after Buddy entered the exam room when the clinic erupted in growls, barks and cries for help, said the client who wished to remain anonymous. A vet tech exited the room with a "gash to her face," and someone ordered the call to 9-1-1. 

"There was blood everywhere," the client said. 

The attack sent at least one vet tech to the hospital via ambulance, a Cook County spokesman told the Tribune. 

In the petition to save Buddy, Concialdi professes he has not exhibited violent tendencies in the past. But the dog's past prior to the family's foster care is unclear, Tinley Park police and Cook County Animal Control have said.  

Concialdi recounted Buddy's life pre-rescue, saying he was "found chained up in a yard, in the dead of winter, outside and alone. He has frostbite on his elbows and tail and has just had a rough."

The family has stated that should Buddy be freed, they fully intend to adopt him. 

"Despite all he has been through, he is still happy, polite and listens very well. All he needs is a tennis ball and a few treats and he is happy," Concialdi wrote. 

The judge has several options for Buddy's fate, including euthanasia, Cook County Animal Control Director Donna Alexander told the Tribune. 

"That is up to the judge," Alexander said. "Other than that, I will only make the comments that the judge has all of the options under the state law and the state law affords the judge several (options), one of them is euthanasia."

The witness said while most are defending Buddy, she stands by the clinic and its staff. 

"They did nothing to provoke the animal," she said. 

"It was awful. I left there shaking."

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