Seen them a few times at the local river but never felt threatened. If I ever find myself in the situation I'll swim quick to shore and smash that thing with a rock.
Most people these days hold dogs in higher regard than kids. They dress their dogs in a sweater and let them run all over and get in everyone's face so their opinions on the matter are worthless.
I think it's silly to say the other guy should've been shooting as well. If I shoot an animal good or bad and I'm still within sight of it and making follow up shots, I don't want anybody else shooting. If an animal is still kicking does that entitle the whole group to start slinging lead?