RACINE - A 72-year-old man who was bit by a dog Thursday morning near the Washington Park golf course, along with Racine police, are urging the owner of the dog to come forward.

Frank Kosha of Caledonia was headed to play cards, walking in the 2800 block of 12th Street around 8:40 a.m. when he saw a woman walking two large brown dogs on the bike path. One of the dogs broke loose and attacked him, according to police reports.

The dog bit Kosha in the left leg, causing a large gash. Reports said he kicked the dog off of him and the woman came and took control of the dog.

But then she walked away.

"She didn't say nothing," Kosha said. "There was blood running down on my feet."

Police said he asked the woman for her name and phone number, but she refused to give it to him. She left the area without trying to aid Kosha or calling for help, reports said.

Kosha walked to the golf course club house and police and Racine rescue were called. He was transported to Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, 3801 Spring St.

Kosha said it took 22 stitches to close the wound on his leg. Reports said his injury also required three internal stitches.

"I go through a lot of pain," Kosha said.

And it may not be over yet. If the owner of the dog doesn't come forward, Kosha may be advised by the city Health Department to get a series of rabies shots. That could be avoided if the dog that bit him is found and quarantined.

Kosha and police would like the woman to come forward. Police spokesman Sgt. Bernie Kupper said the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation and has been assigned to a detective.

Reports said the woman walking the dogs was described as white, about 30 to 40 years old, 150 pounds and 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall. The dogs were both large with short brown hair, police said.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Racine Police Department's Detective Bureau at (262) 635-7756.