Last night, I came up to a house where the lady was waiting outside the door with her dog. When I handed her the two pizza boxes, the dog growled and took a big bite on the back of my ankle. Fortunately, it was a small dog.

I lost two days of work because of that bite. My boss paid me for that time, but not for the tips that I would have gotten. In addition, I had some hospital bills for co-pays on my insurance. I'd like to get paid for those losses if I can. However, I was told that my only claim was from my boss's workers compensation insurance, and that the dog's owner had no responsibility because of it.

What's going on here?

What Harry says: Your informant is off base. Pets must be kept under control. The old story of an owner having responsibility only if the dog has previously attacked someone is nonsense. Ordinarily, a homeowner's insurance policy will have coverage for this kind of liability. Approach the woman and ask her for the name and address of her insurance company. Then file the claim. If she won't cooperate, sue her in Small Claims Court. I believe she'll give you that info as soon as she gets notice of the suit.

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Harry urges all his readers to give blood - contact the American Red Cross at 800-GIVE LIFE.