Ga. boy loved dog that mauled him, police officers

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- A 10-year-old Athens boy says a pit bull terrier that mauled his face and attacked a police officer before being shot had been one of his favorite pets.<br /> <br /> The Athens Banner-Herald reports ( http://bit.ly/UQeXpt ) Jeremy Martinez required 30 stitches after the dog he had grown up with for four years unexpectedly attacked and tore off a piece of the boy's face Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Jeremy told the newspaper, "I loved him. He was my favorite because we had him since he was a baby."<br /> <br /> After the attack, the dog bit a police officer who came to the scene. The officer shot the dog several times, killing it.<br /> <br /> Jeremy's mother says once her son's stitches are removed, a plastic surgeon will examine the boy to determine if he needs reconstructive surgery.