A knock on a back door in Transcona sent Jim Robson to the hospital.

He was the victim of a serious dog attack.

"He grabbed me, medical information later supported the fact it was crushed and bleeding profusely," said Robson, describing his hand injury.

The retired Winnipeg police officer said he went across the street to see his neighbour about selling a lawnmower. Leery of the German Boxer that lived there, Robson said he wouldn't go inside.

But while walking away he said the dog, called Boss, got out and attacked him. He suffered injuries to his shoulder, hand and inner thigh that caused an infection. He required medical attention.

"But she puffed up two inches and in there and that was there for a long time and they said to me ‘had it hit the artery there you would have died,’" said Robson, pointing to his thigh.

This isn't the first incident involving Boss.

In 2015 a young girl was left with lacerations on her face after she was mauled by the dog. Because of the most recent attack, the city's animal services branch deemed the dog exceptionally dangerous, ordering the boxer be euthanized.

"In our opinion there is a risk here," said Leland Gordon from animal services.

But Boss's owner appealed the order, pleading with a committee of councillors to give the dog a second chance.

An emotional Derek Forsyth told them Monday Boss was provoked by his neighbour and said the dog has helped him with his mental health struggles.

"Because of this incident I have tried committing suicide by way of overdose, I was in the hospital," said Forsyth.

In the end the committee denied Forsyth's appeal. The dog will be put down.

"We can't run the risk that the dog could potentially hurt someone else," said committee member and Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona).

Forsyth then stormed out of the meeting and swore at Wyatt. City hall security prevented Forsyth from returning.

Despite the fact the dog is considered dangerous, animal services said the decision to end his life is heart wrenching. Officials allowed Forsyth to see Boss one last time.

"I'm sure Boss was thinking he was going to get let out and was going to be coming home with his dad," said Forsyth, wiping away tears.