Ronnie Berry of Dearborn is being called a hero after helping a neighbor who was being attacked by two dogs.

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The attack happened at about 3 p.m. March 29 near the intersection of Elmwood and Fordson, near Dearborn High School.

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Seconds after Berry pulled into his driveway, a man by the name of Mike was walking his dog when two other dogs ran and attacked Mike and his dog.

“I was surprised,” Berry said. “As soon as I pulled in, I heard screaming coming from behind my car and didn’t know what had happened until I saw the man fighting with this dog.”

Berry was able to scare one of the dogs away, but the other was not going anywhere.

“My wife was in the car and I told her to stay there and to call 911,” he said. “I ran and got a golf club. The dog wouldn’t let go of the other dog’s neck and kept biting the guy trying to protect his dog.”

As an animal lover who had dogs his entire life, Berry said, he did what he had to do, not what he wanted to do.

“I didn’t want to hurt the dog,” he said. “But I had no choice. No one else was coming out of their house to help. At first, I thought the dogs were chasing two kids riding their bikes, and they may have been until they saw the guy and his dog and just attacked.”

Berry said he didn’t know the man walking his dog, just that his name is Mike and he lives in the area.

“I wouldn’t give up,” he said. “That guy or his dog could have died. I feel like I was in the right place at the right time.”

While police were quick to the scene, Berry said that he, unfortunately, had to kill the dog to get him to let go.

“I hit him with the club about 40 times but he just wouldn’t let go,” he said. “I didn’t want to hurt or kill that dog. I love animals, but I would do it again if I had to. I hate that I had to do it, and I was worried the dog would turn on me, but I didn’t have time to worry too much. I had to help.”

Berry said he wasn’t even considering that he didn’t know the man or even thinking about anything in relation to social distancing. He just followed his instincts.

“I grew up in the south end of Dearborn,” he said. “We were raised to survive and help anyone who needed help no matter the cost. That’s what we south-enders do. We help no matter the cost and I did what I believe anybody would do.”

Councilman Mike Sareini nominated Berry for. Good Samaritan Award which was accepted by Mayor John O'Reilly and is expected to be presented in August.

"In a time where most people would probably have gone the other way," Sareini said. "Mr. Berry ran to help his neighbor and I think he deserves to be recognized for that."

Council President Susan Dabaja agreed.

"Thank you for bringing this up," she said. "I appreciate what Mr. Berry did for his neighbor. It was a very heroic thing to do."

Berry also said that while people are allowed to go for walks despite the coronavirus outbreak, it’s imperative that people remain aware of their surroundings.

“I don’t know what would have happened to that guy and his dog had I not pulled in my driveway at that exact moment,” he said. “His dog had to go to the vet, but I don’t know if either of them would have made it had I not tried to help. I walk my grandchildren in the neighborhood and I’m just now finding out that there have been other dog attacks recently. Watch out when you’re out walking around, especially near wooded areas and pay attention because there are coyotes and stray dogs everywhere and you have to be careful.”

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