A dog that attacked a Bellevue woman gets a reprieve for now. Its owner appeared in court Wednesday to answer charges that the animal is dangerous.

Cody Jacobson had been ticketed in Sarpy County for having a dog on the loose and owning a dangerous dog.

Bandit was at Cody's mother’s house and darted out the front door while a neighbor was outside. Bandit and Cody’s mother’s dog bit the woman several times. While his mother gave up her dog to be put down, Cody has been demanding that the Nebraska Humane Society give Bandit back.

Cody Jacobson says, “I’m sorry this happened. It's not normal behavior for my dog.”

After Jacobson hires an attorney, a judge will hold a hearing on the future of the dog. A judge can return the dog to Cody with stipulations to keep the pet away from the public. The judge can also declare Bandit a dangerous dog and order him put down.

The Humane Society has photos of the victim. “Pretty severe bite wounds to both legs on the female victim and we would show those photos to the judge," said the Humane Society’s chief of enforcement Mark Langan.

Jacobson says he has something to show the judge, a letter from Veteran’s Affairs stating he should be allowed a companion dog. Cody is an Army veteran of the war in Afghanistan and says Bandit helps him cope with post traumatic stress syndrome from combat.

"The VA doesn't have a formal training program for companion animals," says the VA's James Rose. He says the VA often writes statements that confirm a veteran can have a companion pet for therapy.

Cody says he's trying to adjust to life back home after serving in a combat zone. “You can’t really erase those memories, but Bandit gives me hope and something to look forward to.”

A trial date for the tickets has been set for mid-December. No date yet for a hearing on Bandit’s status.

The young mother attacked says she has hired a lawyer. Her medical bills have grown to more than $5,000, in part due to a rabies shot. The dog's vaccinations were not up-to-date, however Bandit has been cleared from quarantine.