Jiriyah Johnson's mother and father speak on his passing

Family and friends gathered at Heritage Oaks Mortuary to honor one-year-old Jiriyah Johnson who was mauled by his babysitter. Jiriyah died from his injuries on October 7th.

Jiryiah's father Julian Johnson says he's devastated by the loss.

"The entire time since my son passed I've been trying to be the rock in the family, being supportive of my family, but I'm not good,it hasn't gotten easier," said Johnson.

He and his wife Erika Castro say they're mad Heather Rodriguez who was supposed to be babysitting Jiryiah left him at home with the dogs.

"Nobody called us, she didn't call us and let us know she was leaving," said Johnson.

"This wasn't supposed to happen," said Castro.

Johnson says his family is grateful for the outpouring of support at tonight's memorial.

"The entire chapel filled up," said Johnson.

He says he knows his son wouldn't want to see him down with his passing.

"I want my son to be remembered by his smile, his laugh, his optimism his curiosity, the fact that he was loud and he told everybody hi and gave them kisses," said Johnson.

"We had plans we had plans to go to the zoo and the pumpkin patch, you know it's October," said Castro.

Johnson says he would like to see some kind of laws passed that could help the public more easily identify aggressive dogs.

Jiryiah will be buried in Mesquite east of Dallas.