A young girl is out of the hospital after police said a pit bull was found mauling her; the dog was shot and killed.

Neighbors say the child was playing outside around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday when the pit bull came out of the front door of a nearby house and attacked her. "It sounded like kids playing and then it sounded like someone was saying ow, ow, ow like they were being hurt," said neighbor Chris Gamza.

Undercover officers, who happened to be driving in the area, saw the mauling as it occurred, in the 200 block of 11th street. They left their vehicle and fired on the dog, killing it on the spot. "We heard the gunshots we thought it was fireworks," said neighbor Rosie Nathanson.

Kelley Duppes, who brings her dog "Wilson" to work with her every day, says that breeds aren't necessarily a problem, but some pet owners are.

The child had bites to her arms, neck and head. She was transported to an area hospital in stable condition. On Thursday, she was released from the hospital.

"I hope she's better and she can get to school next week," said witness Denise Jacobs. Gamza said, "We'll be looking forward to her on her pogo stick down the sidewalk pretty soon. I am sure."

Neighbors said the officers saved the girl's life and we've learned the chief of police plans to award both with medals of honor. "They were amazing. They were here within they were so quick. We were just so happy to see how quick the response was," said Nathanson. Gamza said, "If they're getting the medal of honor from the city, I think that's a wonderful thing."

Residents in the neighborhood, still rattled by the attack, said they usually see a young boy walking and taking care of the pit bull. The family wouldn't answer the door when ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 reporter Jennifer Donelan visited.

Denise Jacob's young nephew had been playing with the little girl moments before the attack. She, too, praised police. "It coulda been, really, a tragedy if someone hadn't been out here to help."

Metropolitan Police Department (web|news) said they will be doing a follow-up investigation on the use of the gun and the dog running loose; they questioned the dog's owners and charges may be filed since the pit bull was not on a leash.