Beagle attacked by pit bulls at USA Pro Challenge inspires fundraiser to benefit animal shelter

On Saturday the Lakeside Bowling Center in Dillon will host a fundraiser to benefit the Summit County Animal Shelter and the League for Animals and People of Summit.

The event is being hosted in honor of Heidi, a 15-year-old beagle that was attacked by two unrestrained pit bulls during the USA Pro Challenge in an unincorporated area of Summit County near Hoosier Pass. The benefit was organized at the request of Heidi’s owners.

The fundraiser takes place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Bowling Center, 135 Main St. in Dillon and will feature discounts on games and drinks, as well as raffles for prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes include restaurant gift certificates, artwork, apparel and movie tickets.

For more information, call Lakeside Bowling Center assistant manager Charlie Rhodes at 468-6257.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Aug. 20, two pit bulls escaped from the home of their owner, Christopher Crumbliss, 37, near the intersection of Colorado Highway 9 and Carroll Lane, attacking Heidi as people congregated along the highway near Hoosier Pass to watch the USA Pro Challenge bike race.

One of the pit bulls was collared and witnesses were able to pull it off of Heidi. The second pit bull was not collared and after witnesses attempted to pull it off the beagle, a responding deputy made the decision to shoot and kill the attacking dog.

Crumbliss faces local and state charges, which could include restitution to Heidi’s owners. Although Heidi survived the attack, she faces multiple reconstructive surgeries, including possible skin grafts.