© Marcus Grayson, WTSPThe Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says it was a 50-pound female boxer that attacked the child. Investigators are seen impounding the dog and her puppies.
Teresa Budd, a Good Samaritan and witness, says that though she was shocked by what she saw, and glad to be at the right place at the right time.
"He was tossing around like a dog does when they get into things (demonstrating a growl). He would go back and forth and attack again," says Budd.
She saw the toddler in the mouth of a 50-pound boxer and she knew this hair-raising moment meant life or death. "At the moment I could see what the dog had. I just screamed oh my God and I ran."
She was not alone. Hillsborough County Detective Jeff Harris -- who was investigating a business theft at the time -- also yelled and screamed to get the dog away from the child.
Budd said the dog had blood all over his mouth. Budd banged on the mother's door, who spoke very little English, to alert her to the tragedy.
In her best Spanish she said, "Bambio Este tu bambino. She finally understood what I said. Then I pointed to the yard. She said 'Oh my God yes! Bambio' and she finally went to the yard."
One neighbor, Carolyn Jones, said, "The dog was here just the night before last, trying to chase my grandbaby."
Jones said this dog is known for terrorizing the area and incredibly the victim's older brother recently came to her home fearing the family dog. Describing the little boy, she said, "He's trying to kill me, trying to kill me. 'Who's trying to kill you?' My dog is trying to kill me."
With the animal and her pups taken away, this community is a little safer. For now hopes and prayers are being lifted up for the child.
Teresa Budd said, "I dread to think what would have happened if we would not have seen the child when we did."
At last checked the little boy is in stable condition at Tampa General. The dog is in quarantine pending the investigation.
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