- May 7, 2024
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Max didn't like to walk in the grass.
On Thursday, April 28, Max was walking on one side of Angela DiBella on Evans Drive, while his canine brother “Rooster” walked in the grass. It was a ritual for the threesome, Angela in the middle of the two leashed dogs.
The ritual changed when DiBella heard a thump and watched 10-year-old Max, a shih tzu, fly through the air and land in the grass. He had been hit by a speeding car.
“The car was racing down the road, I never heard it,” DiBella said. “Just the thump. When I realized how close I came to being hit myself....I still can't believe that I am still walking around.”
Sadly, Max suffered multiple injuries and had to be euthanized.
I've known the DiBellas for more than 20 years. We were Friday night regulars at their restaurant, LaBella, in Flagler Beach. They didn't deserve this, Max didn't deserve this – no one deserves this.
The driver may have been distracted, but to not take responsibility -- that is unforgiveable.
DiBella saw the white vehicle speed away, no brake lights or hestitation. She has no doubt that the driver is fully aware that he hit something. By now the driver has no doubt seen news reports and knows the name of the dog he hit.
DiBella's husband, Rocky DiBella, said the Flagler County Sheriff's Office is continuing the investigation, and have homeowners' security suveillance videos of a white van going down the street between 8:20 and 8:27, the time of the accident.
The DiBella's adopted the dog from some friends several years ago. Pampering both of their dogs included multiple walks every day. Rooster now gets all of the attention, and treats --- anything to get him to eat.
“He still isn't eating right,” Angela DiBella said. “I think he feels it. When he lays down, he lays down with a sigh.”
When I asked for a photo of Max I received an older photo, of a young and healthy pup – the way the DiBella's want to remember him.
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