LIVERMORE FALLS — Bethany Miller has a new puppy, Eddie, a Jack Russell terrier that will be certified next spring to be her therapy dog.

“Right now he is learning basic obedience skills,” Miller said.

She and her family lost her therapy dog, Jack, this summer after it was attacked by a larger dog while her children walked with him. Miller said previously that the larger dog stepped toward one of her sons and Jack came to his rescue. The court ordered the other dog to be put down in November. The owner was ordered to pay fines and restitution.

Eddie’s job will be, like Jack’s, to help Miller cope with an illness that causes her a lot of pain and makes her tired.

“Jack Russells are well suited for the job, as they are very loyal and small enough to take with you everywhere,” she said.

Her children are doing much better now that she sought counseling for them, although her youngest son still has nightmares and flashbacks from what he saw, she said.

“Jack was not just my dog, he was a member of our family,” Miller said. “I am so saddened by the way we lost him, but every time I look at my boys, I am reminded that Jack died a hero protecting his family.“

She would like to see tougher laws in place for those who choose to keep or create dangerous animals, she said.

“Public safety must come first. There have been many attacks in our state this year involving dangerous dogs,” Miller said. “We can’t allow this to continue.”

dperry@sunjournal.com