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Dog Bite Victim's Plea to Owner Heard

OMAHA (KPTM)- Getting bit by a dog can be more dangerous than you first think.

What if you can't find the owner of the dog? It could lead to painful rabies shots.

So one 74-year-old has spent the last five days look for the owner of the dog that bit him, and it's good news for one man, and a cautionary tale for others.

74-year-old Bode LaBode is a fast walker.

He tried to do two miles a day, rain or shine.  "Maybe we should walk a little faster than that," LaBode joked.

Just last Saturday, one thing stopped him in his tracks. "The dog turned around and nipped me on the leg," said LaBode.

LaBode was walking near 144^th and Corby when the dog bit him. He said, at the time, he didn't think much of it.  That's until he looked at his leg, and saw two clear bite marks, and no information about whether the dog was vaccinated or not.

"I should have asked for more detail, about the owner, about the dog," said LaBode.

He's spent five days pacing back and forth, wondering if he had rabies.  Thursday afternoon, he found the owner.  The dog is clear, and so is he. He said his whole experience is a good warning for anyone who may get bit. "Make sure that they have the presence of mind to ask for some information on the dog," said LaBode.

"Always make sure you get your dog licensed and vaccinated," said Mark Langan, of the Nebraska Humane Society.

Now, after five days of stress, LaBode can finally walk easy.