ASTATULA - A week after a dog adopted from the Lake County Animal Shelter killed one dog and mauled another, county officials say they will better document the counseling they give prospective owners, but they also insist that protocol was followed.

“Animal behavior can often be unpredictable, which is precisely why we work so closely with potential adopters to find the right match," a statement from Lake County Animal Services said. "Moving forward, the Animal Shelter will increase documentation of adoption counseling, specifically when concerns are raised by staff."

It's a welcome response for Roger Wilson, whose dog, Baxter, was mauled. But the woman who adopted the aggressive dog believes the county should shoulder some responsibility for the incident.

On the evening of Feb. 4, Roger Wilson was taking Baxter on one of their twice-daily walks. An unfamiliar dog approached the pair and Roger shooed it off. Moments later, the dog came up behind them, knocked Roger down and started attacking Baxter.

The attacking dog, Reno, had been adopted from the Lake County Animal Shelter earlier that day. Stacy Bates adopted him, brought him home and tethered him to a tree. Then she let her Chihuahua mix, Beasty, out. Within minutes, Reno had killed Beasty, broken his chain and fence and started running through the neighborhood, where he encountered Roger, 58, and Baxter, a 4-year-old Miniature Schnauzer.

Roger, who has leukemia, tried to fight Reno off with a citrus wood walking stick.

“After about 30 seconds, I didn’t have the energy to fight him,” he said.

Reno had Baxter by the neck until a neighbor came to his defense with a shovel. After being struck multiple times, Reno let go of Baxter, ran off and was hit by a car. Baxter was rushed to an emergency veterinarian. Reno was eventually euthanized because of his injuries and temperament.

According to an incident report, an animal care technician tried to dissuade Bates from adopting Reno, saying that he wasn’t good with cats and “may not do well with small animals at all.”

Bates said she adopted Reno, a Tosa mix, because she needed a guard dog - she had been a victim of a slew of home invasions. As a woman living alone, Bates said she just wanted to feel safe.

Tosas are large, obedient dogs that are mostly used as watchdogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Bates said she did her research on the breed and didn’t expect Reno to go on a rampage.

But in signing the adoption agreement, Bates assumed liability for Reno. She’s now facing a $650 fine for violating two animal care ordinances: one because Reno ran loose and another because he bit another animal.

Bates said that she recognizes her legal responsibility for Reno but feels that the shelter should not have adopted him out. Since the attack, she has apologized to Roger and his wife, Cindy.

“I’m ashamed of what I’ve done,” Bates said through tears. “But I didn’t know. I just feel like I shouldn’t carry the whole burden on this.”

Meanwhile, Roger and Baxter are recovering.

Roger sustained minor injuries – just a bit of bruising. Baxter has stitches and a drain in his neck. He’s on antibiotics and pain medication, and he has to wear a child’s T-shirt to keep him from scratching his wounds.

“He’s still sore and the medicine keeps him pretty much knocked out,” Wilson said. “But he’s doing better.”

After reading a story about Baxter and Roger, local groomer April Wilbanks wanted to help out. The owner of Dawgy Stylz Grooming in Leesburg got in touch with the Wilsons and offered to groom Baxter for free until they get their vet bills paid.

“They were saying they were strapped for cash and I wanted to help,” Wilbanks said.

And, so far, the GoFundMe account has raised $240 out of its $1,500 goal. The Wilsons had been saving up money for roof repairs before the attack.

Both Roger and Cindy said they're touched by the community outpouring.

“There’s so many good-hearted people in the world,” Cindy said. “It really makes me feel appreciative.”

To donate, visit this shortened, case-sensitive link: bit.ly/2WUHefZ.