Seminole man crawled out of his bedroom while his own dog mauled him

SEMINOLE, Fla. - Richard Blackey is recovering in the hospital after deputies say he was attacked by his own dog early Wednesday. Due to his injuries, deputies say they were unable to get a statement that led to the mauling.

Blackey's girlfriend tried to intervene and was bitten herself as Blackey crawled out of the bedroom with the dog still attacking him.

Deputies were called just before 4 a.m. Wednesday for a report that the dog was attacking someone inside the home located in the 10,600 block Seminole Boulevard. The Black and Tan Rottweiler and German Sheppard mix dog named Mickey was taken into custody and being cared for by Pinellas County Animal Services for now.

Blackey was bitten on his arms, chest and neck and last listed in serious condition at Bayfront Hospital.

Deputies say Blackey's girlfriend Melissa Howell told investigators that she and Blackey were watching TV in the bedroom when Blackey got up to get some food from the kitchen and she joined him. When Blackey returned to the bedroom with a plate of food, the dog Mickey, stayed in the bedroom.

She told investigators she heard Blackey yelling and the dog growling. She tried to stop the attack but Mickey slipped out of his collar and bit her on the thumb.

Blackey raised the dog since he was a puppy. Investigators are unable to determine a motive for the attack.