Tiny Dog Nearly Became Gator Bait

March 27, 2008

LUTZ, Fla. -- A Maltese-toy poodle mix named Gizmo is recovering from minor injuries following an alligator attack last Saturday.

Owners Mike and Cathy Piendel said that the 7-pound pooch slipped out of their home through an unseen rip in the corner of the patio screen door that night. He scurried down to a nearby pond behind their Florida residence.

Cathy Piendel was chatting on the phone on her back porch that evening when she heard yelps and frantic barks emanating from the pond area.

She and husband Mike looked down to the water to see their 18 month-old dog in the jaws of an alligator, which had the pet by its ear.

Distracted by the now approaching Piendels, the gator let go of Gizmo for a moment, only to catch the canine by the hind leg as it tried to scurry toward his owners.

Cathy Piendel, who broke into a full sprint toward the water, began screaming. That seemed to scare off the gator, which released little Gizmo and retreated into the depths of the water.

The dog was taken to a vet, who determined his injuries were minimal. With the help of antibiotics and pain killers, the dog’s few puncture wounds to the ear and back leg should heal. Gizmo’s vet expects a full recovery.

Animal control has been notified of the gator attack and is expected to visit the Piendel’s home in coming days. Meanwhile, tape covers the hole in the couple’s screen door until a new one is installed. Gizmo shouldn’t be anywhere near the door though, as he’ll be in bed resting while his wounds are healing.

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Pet Pulse reporter Matt Van Hoven and Beth Gaddis of Tampa Bay Online contributed to this story.