SAN ANTONIO – Jose Luis Rodriguez can’t believe he’s alive and out of the hospital after being attacked by a dog while on the job.
Rodriguez, a 22-year-old Amazon delivery driver, was out delivering packages on Monday.
“That day was one of those days that I was like, ‘It is time to work and go home,’” he said.
Rodriguez said he was verifying he was at the right home on McNarey Street on the South Side when he was attacked.
“As soon as I look up, all I see is a dog just jumping over,” said Rodriguez. “He just started attacking me right then and there.”
He said the dog’s owner tried to stop the attack, but the dog wouldn’t give up.
“I think the most traumatizing was seeing my lips and my chin on the ground,” he said.
Rodriguez was rushed to the hospital to get stitches.
“I literally thought I was going to die,” he said.
Animal Care Services confirmed that the dog accused of attacking Rodriguez was surrendered and euthanized.
The owner, who ACS identified as Annette Aguilar, was issued four criminal citations, which include no current rabies vaccination, no registered microchip, one for the animal being off the property, and a fourth for the bite itself.
Rodriguez wants to share his story to make dog owners aware of their animals. He also wants justice.
“You all should be thanking God right now that I’m still here and that I pulled through this attack,” said Rodriguez.
He plans to deliver packages again once healed but hopes to have a different route.
Rodriguez also hopes to get plastic surgery to fix the scar from the attack.
“I really wouldn’t like to have that scar because it’s just going to have to be a reminder that I don’t have to look at every day,” he said.
