HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A man fired three shots to kill an American Pit Bull Terrier that was attacking his smaller dog outside their in Henrico home Sunday morning. It happened around 11 a.m. in the 2100 block of Bromby Street near Williamsburg Road.

“Foxie” the dog survived after the pit bull chomped down on her neck and chest. After a trip to the vet, the dog’s coat was still stained with blood and the sidewalk shows the graphic evidence of what transpired.

Foxie's owner, Tyrone Dyer, said he has no choice but to open fire on the pit bull when it attacked his dog.

"I’m not happy about it. I’m really not," Dyer said. "It’s just a loss for everybody.”

Henrico Animal Control told Dyer the shooting was “justified” and that he was within his rights since there are laws that allow owners to protect their pets during an attack. But Dyer said he only started shooting after the pit bull’s owner gave permission.

"She looked right at me right here and said, “Do it,” Dyer explained. “Shot one time still didn't break loose. Shot her again [and] still didn't break loose, so I was like, ‘What in the world?’ So I shot her one more time.”

Dyer's wife said the incident could have been prevented if animal control officers responded more quickly and added dog owners should better train their pets.

"I’m very sorry that they lost their dog,” Samanthia Dyer said.

“Foxie” is being treated with medication and is expected to make a full recovery.