Bird's Eye View News

Heroic Intervention: Matthew Wong '24

In January this year, Matthew Wong ’24 took a wrong turn which became a heroic moment when, on his way home, he passed a vicious dog attack in progress.

Bennett, Mike Hseih's dog.

  Bennett recovered.

Oakland resident Mike Hsieh was out for a stroll with his 40-pound, leashed Sheltie, Bennett, when suddenly he was set upon by three aggressive and unattended German Shepherds. 

“It was like a mountain lion running at you—they were off leash and running at us like they were trying to catch a bus—and without warning suddenly attacking Bennett. No barking in advance, just full-scale biting him,” Mike said. “There was nothing I could do to stop them. I was yelling and kicking them away as hard as I could, but they were growling and biting. I was pulled to the ground.”

Matthew, now a Head-Royce alumnus, had accidentally missed his turn on his way home and happened to be driving on the other side of Skyline Boulevard when he saw the attack taking place. He immediately made a U-turn—abruptly stopping his car in the middle of the road—then jumped out and ran to help the man who, surrounded by brutal animals, was trying desperately to save his pet.

“I’m not sure I fully appreciated the seriousness of the situation,” Matthew confessed. “I started waving my arms and yelling while the dogs were growling and jumping.” It was serendipity Matthew thought in hindsight; he was just passing by at the right time.

Bennett after surgery

   Bennett after surgery. 

Matthew realized afterwards that the situation was incredibly dangerous, believing that, “the German Shepherds were going for the [Mike’s] dog’s jugular.” With both men shouting loudly, waving their arms, and kicking to fend off the attackers, the savage pack eventually retreated. But not before inflicting serious injuries to Bennett’s internal organs and skin, requiring many stitches and multiple surgeries to heal and repair.

Happily, Bennett survived!

“If Matthew had not intervened I am convinced my dog would have been killed and I would have been seriously injured,” said Mike of Matthew's actions.

Although Matthew is familiar with large dogs—his family's pet weighs 90-pounds—Matthew confessed he was shocked by the power of the three assailants. After the attack, the men exchanged contact information, and to Mike’s delight, Matthew rang him two days later to check in.

“That amount of humanity and compassion coming out of a 17- or 18-year-old is just stunning to me,” Mike said. He also recognized Matthew’s email address because, coincidentally, Mike is a former Head-Royce parent and Trustee. Mike wrote the school to share his appreciation for Matthew’s courageousness.

Seeing the imminent danger, Matthew did not think twice before risking his own safety to protect a neighbor from what was certainly a lethal dog attack. This courageous act prevented a potential tragedy, displaying an extraordinary level of valor and a profound commitment to the well-being of others.

Such bravery is a testament to the strength and solidarity within our community. But Mike thinks there is more here than a single student’s act of bravery. He said, “Head-Royce is doing something right by teaching students like Matthew to be compassionate humanitarians in this time of conflict and division.”