Mildred Neal's daily walks keep her fit and active in her golden years. But a recent walk gave her more of a workout than she bargained for.
Neal was attacked on Love Street in Itta Bena by a knee-high black dog, possibly a rottweiler, in early March.
The retired librarian warded off the dog with her walking stick and was not injured.
"Usually I get scared afterwards when something like this happens," Neal said. "But I'm not scared."
Itta Bena police are looking for the driver of the light-colored car the dog was chasing. Investigators believe it was the dog's owner.
The driver stopped beside Neal during the attack but did not offer any assistance. She also saw a city worker and a trusty down the road. They didn't help her either.
Neal said the dog lunged and growled at her for five minutes. Since she broke her hip two years ago, Neal has used a walking cane.
She used that cane two-handed like an ax to beat the dog on the head. "I was determined I was going to kill him."
The driver stepped out of the car but still said nothing. Neal didn't get a very good look at him because she was hitting the dog.
The driver got back in his car and took off. The dog followed after the car again. Neal took a deep breath and set off once more.
Just down the block, the dog took after her again. It had a mean growl, she said, like an attack dog.
But when the dog saw she meant to defend herself, it gave up, Neal said.
Mayor Thelma Collins said loose dogs are "a serious problem in the city."
The mayor plans to ask the Board of Aldermen at the Tuesday night meeting to consider purchasing equipment to catch loose dogs.
Police Chief Coy Lee Keys wants to use the attack as a lever to tighten up Itta Bena's leash law.
Keys said he will approach the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday about an ordinance requiring pit bulls to be registered in the city.
Walter Parker, alderman for Ward 4, said he would have to see what laws are currently on the books before making any decision.
Dogs have always pestered Neal and her occasional walking buddies. They keep rocks and pepper spray handy just in case.
Neal has been walking for more than 30 years, but she's never been attacked like this.
Regardless of what city government decides, Neal plans to keep on walking three miles a day. "I've walked all my life," she said. "Why quit now?"
