Woman injured

by unleashed dog

Los Altos resident Florence Eckert was injured during a run-in with an unleashed dog, another in a series of dog-related mishaps in recent weeks. The 88-year-old woman fell on the pavement at Almond Elementary School on Aug. 27 as she warded off a dog about to jump on her. She suffered bruises and hairline fractures to two vertebrae.

It was the third incident involving an unleashed dog reported in late summer to the Los Altos Police Department. A 10-year-old girl was bitten at Montclaire Elementary School when three unleashed dogs started fighting nearby, and a man was bitten when a woman lost control of her dog. It is against the law in Los Altos to exercise dogs in public areas without using a leash.

Eckert, who lives on Sunkist Lane, said the walk to Almond school is part of her daily routine with her husband and helps keep them feeling young.

“A couple of months ago I was a spry 88-year-old,” Eckert said. “I was discoing and swimming and square dancing. Now I feel like an old, old lady, and I creep around like one, too. One little incident can really disturb your way of life.”

- Town Crier Staff Report