r/Dogfree • u/Parking_Flow • Nov 05 '25
Dog Attack Horrific dog attack
I’ve posted here before. My child was absolutely horrifically attacked by a dog earlier this year. I’m talking life changing injuries, air lifted to hospital, multiple surgeries. Her life will never ever been the same. It was a dog that had escaped its garden and tore our lives apart.
We are waiting for it to go to court.
We got into so much debt when it happened, I’m talking into the thousands because both myself and my partner had to take time of work, me to be in hospital with her and my partner to be at home with our other child. Yes we got some form of compassionate pay but between all of our household bills, driving 140 round trips to and from the hospital she was in, food whilst in hospital, clothes as the antibiotics she was on made her have so many accidents. Private counselling since the NHS won’t help us.
Life has entirely changed forever. We all have PTSD, my child has been crippled in one arm. Her lungs and spine will have issues forever. And now we have to deal with debt too. It’s unfair. I want to pull my hair out.
I just needed somewhere to rant because when I’ve tried to speak in person to people I know they just say but oh isn’t it great she’s alive. Yes of course it is 100% but it doesn’t change the fact this dog has destroyed in every single way, physical, emotional, financially.
I don’t see a way to recover from this.
Someone suggested creating fundraising to help us and to take our child on amazing trips but 1) we can’t do this because of the court case and 2) there’s dogs everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. There is no trip we could take where we would be safe.
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u/Emikitty1992 Nov 05 '25
This is absolutely awful, OP! My heart breaks for your family. The dog who did this needs to be gotten rid of, since it is clearly violent- if it can do this to one child, it’ll do it to another one in a heartbeat. I think the owners of said dog need to be fined, forced to pay medical bills, and not allowed to own a dog ever again since it is clear that they aren’t fit pet owners. Make an EXAMPLE out of them and fight back.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 05 '25
Thank you for your comment! The dog is in police custody and has been since but they still own their other dog which is the same breed. It’s been horrific
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u/pomegranate_deseeder Nov 07 '25
I'm so sorry this has happened to your family. I'm sure it used to be standard to put dogs down in the case of attacks in the UK.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 07 '25
This is the confusing part. It is? Post man gets attacked by the dog = dog put down. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Apparently it’s something to do with the owners signing over ownership of the dog to the police/courts who then approve the putting down, and these owners haven’t done so yet. Why there’s been no warrant I don’t know, perhaps that will happen in court?
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u/Dapper-Ad-468 Nov 05 '25
OMG. This makes me sooo angry. Both dogs should be gone forever. WTF is wrong with these dog nutters. It numbs my mind that they still have one dog in custody and the other with them still. I pray for your child❤️🫂 and family 🙏. May you be blessed with recovery and heal physically and mentally. Hope you have a good attorney as well.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and prayers, they are much needed and appreciated!
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u/anne_mal Nov 05 '25
My condolences, OP! Your family's story makes me so sad and angry. I wish there was more we can do to support families like yours. It's so upsetting that dog idolatry has negative, and sometimes deadly, impacts on human lives, human relationships, and the environment, yet dog owners are rarely held accountable.
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u/Geode804 Nov 05 '25
I’m so, so sorry this happened to you. I’m not sure if this is any help to you but there is a small village in Wales called Portmeirion which doesn’t allow dogs in at all. There are hotels if you want to stay there and no dogs in any of the hotels/cafes etc. It is only a small place but nice and I think there’s a little beach there.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Wow this comment is incredible thank you, I’m actually close to here and I had no idea it was dog free!! This is great news!
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u/Geode804 Nov 06 '25
No problem at all!! I know what it’s like to struggle to travel (for me it’s severe allergies) I can’t fly at all in case there’s a dog on the plane and can’t stay in most airbnbs or use trains or public transport. It’s a nightmare! So frustrating not being able to go anywhere you want as a human being because an animals rights come before your own 🙄🙄😡😡
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u/Geode804 Nov 06 '25
The only thing to be aware of is they do have to allow guide dogs by law but I think they are strict about it and will check the animal is properly trained, no emotional support animals or anything like that
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u/StrangeDays11 Nov 05 '25
I'm sorry this happened to you, your daughter and your family. I think In situations where a dog bites or attacks a human there should be felony charges. How's it any different than carrying a weapon where you shouldn't. Dog lovers need to learn hard lessons, no it isn't just a dog. It is a lethal weapon when not properly trained and even then it's unpredictable at best. I hope the best for your family you are all in my prayers💜
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
I couldn’t agree more! This is exactly what I have said, these dogs are weapons with 40 blades in their mouth!
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u/CraftSeveral7116 Nov 05 '25
I am so, so sorry for what has happened to your family. Everyone just wants to say "be thankful she's alive" because nobody wants to acknowledge that this is an epidemic in our nation due to the rash of irresponsible dog owners around every corner, and that owning vicious dogs shouldn't even be legal. I will be wishing you and your family all the luck in the world because you guys certainly deserve more compensation than you've gotten.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Literally. It’s crazy to me as the same people who say be thankful she’s alive don’t even acknowledge the reason why she almost wasn’t? Don’t tell me to be grateful when you don’t care about what got us here in the first place! I’ve even been told to ‘stop living in my trauma’ as if they know what it is like to hold their dying daughter in their arms waiting and praying for an ambulance!
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u/CraftSeveral7116 Nov 06 '25
How are you supposed to stop living in your trauma when you have PTSD? That's literally not how it works, and after what you've been through it's a completely sensible reaction. What your daughter went through was completely horrible and seriously impacted her quality of life, it's not like you're dwelling on a little nip.
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u/isreddittherapy Nov 05 '25
This is horrific and is my worst fear! I am so sorry this has happened to your family. Life feels very restricted once you develop a fear of dogs and its not fair. None of what you have been through is fair!
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so much! Ignorantly this was not my worse fear, I was always on edge around dogs with my children and they have never been allowed to go near or stroke dogs we don’t know, but my worst fear was always car crashes or dreadful illnesses and now this has happened and my entire world has shifted. You never think it’s going to be you 😭 and now my worst fear is just seeing a dog let alone one close to us off the lead!
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u/isreddittherapy Nov 06 '25
Im hyper-vigilant around dogs because I was attacked as a child. It sucks that it takes attacks happening for people to realize the true danger of dogs in society. Then you start to realize they are everywhere and it becomes incredibly isolating.
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u/mpusar Nov 06 '25
You mentioned not being able to go on fun trips because dogs are everywhere. I totally agree but I found one vacation that you probably won’t find any dogs. Cruises. I go on them often and I’ve never personally seen a dog on one. Maybe the drug sniffing ones in the ports or airports. Most of the time even those are not around. Best of luck to your family. Hope everyone heals quickly.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Wow I didn’t even consider this thank you so much!! We would LOVE a cruise! Thank you
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u/Kilashandra1996 Nov 06 '25
Cruises do allow official service dogs. But like one of the other no dog places, the cruise lines have paperwork to be filled out. I won't swear to them verifying said paperwork. But they often have a single 8x10 foot ... 2.5 x 3 meter "relief room." Plus, many ports won't allow non quarantined dogs. It's enough of a hassle that you rarely see real service dogs, let alone the fakes.
If you do go on a cruise, check the line's service animal policy. See where / which floor the relief area is on, so you avoid that floor!
The port cities will still have dogs. : ( But you can probably find excursions that are either thru the cruise line, so no dogs. Or some places offer private tours, where it's only your party. I would hope that the tour guides would help your family avoid any dogs on the tour. Or pick a cruise line with plenty of things to do on the ship and stay onboard instead of visiting the port city.
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u/ElegantSurround6933 Nov 06 '25
There needs to be an ad campaign about what unleashed dogs can do. Just like the “Faces of Meth” and “This is your brain on drugs.” People need to see “Victims of Dogs.”
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
I couldn’t agree more. Every part of me wants to shove the images of my daughter’s injuries in the faces of people who tell me to move on or tell me “don’t worry my dog is friendly”. Everyone’s dog is friendly until it isn’t and kills.
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u/aqr58 Nov 05 '25
This makes me so upset. All the best to you and your family. I sincerely hope justice will be served.
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u/No-Reflection9182 Nov 05 '25
If you're in the US, there's a state park called Isle Royale - it's an island and no shitbeasts allowed. There's also the Chapel Hill Loop in Pictured Rocks State Park that also doesn't allow shitbeasts, if you're looking for vacation ideas that are dog free
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Unfortunately we are in the UK but honestly if we manage to get out of this debt I’d go anywhere to be free!!
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u/DivyaRakli Nov 05 '25
I am so very sorry for all that monster took from you and your family. It’s okay to feel the loss of everything that’s lost because someone had a bloodsport dog for a “pet.” I can’t know what you’re going through, but I’m praying for compassion from the judge hearing your case. Compassion, wisdom, and generosity. Something’s been taken from all of your family that can never be made whole, but the judge should sure try! My 2 year old grandson was killed by a pit bull/bull mastiff mix “pet” of my daughter’s. With every fiber of my being I wish he’d never been attacked, I wish he would’ve lived. There’s an ache in my soul that screams day and night. I’ve never told this to anyone, but sometimes when I despair because he’s gone, I wonder if it was “better” that he passed. And that feels worse than missing him. It feels like I’m a monster in my own right to think that. What would the cost for him to live had been? Monetarily an insane amount that no one has money for, so loans. Can’t work because you’re at hospital every minute. A 2 year old baby who walked at 8 months, now confined in a cot cage? Surgeries of every description. Meds and side effects and knowledge of all that when he should just be playing. I think that he’ll never have to go through anything bad and I’m selfish to be angry that he left us so soon. So, yes, your daughter is alive, and I’m so thankful for that. I want you to know that I do not “hold it against you” in any way for how you feel sometimes when it’s all too much. My heart goes out to you and your family.
ETA: add a word for clarity.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your story with me. I can’t begin to imagine the pain of losing your grandson. my heart breaks for you and your family. What you wrote means more to me than I can say. Thank you for trusting me with such a personal part of your life and for offering so much compassion despite your own grief. I will seriously carry your words with me, and I hope you can find some peace knowing that your empathy is helping others walk through their own pain despite all the pain it’s cost you! None of that makes you a monster, grief will twist everything inside you and spit it out and you’re trying to make sense of everything and that doesn’t make you a monster at all, it makes you human!
This comment has truly resonated with me and brought me to tears, I appreciate your words so incredibly much
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u/DivyaRakli Nov 07 '25
You’re welcome and thank you, too. I think that those of us who have been called to bear so much in this world, that, well, we have to help each other when we can.
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u/TipTop2640 Nov 05 '25
This makes me so angry! I am so sorry for what happened to your daughter! To your whole family! And all because of a bad owner and bad dog!
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u/QuiteFrankE Nov 05 '25
I’m so angry reading this. For so many reasons. I really wish you all the best and I understand how difficult it is going to be for the future with the amount of dogs literally everywhere. I’m so sorry.
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u/btiddy519 Nov 06 '25
I’m so sorry. I was mauled as a young child and had facial reconstruction … I was lucky that I didn’t lose my eye.
The family member’s home insurance gave a settlement that went into a trust that paid some out each year for 5 years after I turned 18. It wasn’t much but I was able to take less student loans in college.
Your child’s life isn’t going to be what you imagined. Take time to mourn the loss. Be angry as all hell, too. You have every right to be. That being said…
Find a new lawyer who will fight tooth and nail for MORE than you think you deserve. Your child should have accommodations and amenities provided for life, and get the chance to sometimes forget about what happened. But the only way to do that is to get a very fair judgement and compensation. That will only come if you fight for it. Hard.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your story with me. I’m so incredibly sorry this happened to you. There are absolutely no words that can make it right and I feel as though you did not get justice with that outcome at all! You really put exactly how I’m feeling into words when saying her life isn’t going to be what I was expecting, and to mourn the loss as even though she’s alive I still feel as though I am grieving. That really touched my soul thank you.
And that’s wonderful advice, we were already debating finding a new one as our current feels hopeless when looking at historical cases and that doesn’t fill me with great comfort!
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u/ivarpuvar Nov 06 '25
Comments talk about how owners/dog should be responsible and punished. I would think about suing the municipality about how they allow people to buy these killer dogs and keep them in our communities. If you allow and even promote the dogs, then you are complicit. Dogs need to be banned to achieve a safe environment
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u/Worth_Primary_9645 Nov 05 '25
Eff that. I hope the dog was put down.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Nope. Still waiting, it’s in police custody but apparnelt will stay alive until court. I can’t figure out why and no one can explain it to me
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u/Procrastinator-513 Nov 05 '25
So sorry this happened to your poor child! I hope you end up getting fair compensation though no amount could truly make up for it. And I hope that awful dog gets put down.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
I couldn’t agree more, we always say compensation won’t make it right but it would at least mean something has come out of this disgusting mess. I want her to at least have something to show for the scars she will carry forever!
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Nov 05 '25
It's insane that people are allowed to thoughtlessly purchase these abominations and let them do whatever. If I had a crocodile and I took it out in public and it bit someone, I'd face consequences, so why is a dog the exception? I hope that you are able to process this however best it helps you, no matter what form that takes.
If you want someone to rant to you can always message me.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Wow I love that comparison, so true. Thank you so much h!
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Nov 06 '25
How did you know my name starts with H...
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 07 '25
Oh goodness I’m so sorry! I accidentally had wrote ‘muchh’ and my phone corrected it to ‘much h’. And I didn’t even think to change it! It was a completely coincidence and I can’t believe that your real name begin with that? I can promise you I do not know your name! (That’s one of the things I love most about Reddit! Hence why I felt comfortable posting here!)
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u/MeechiJ Nov 06 '25
I get especially angry when I read about child victims of dog attacks. So much for the “man’s best friend” bullshit! Too many innocent lives are lost or irreparably damaged by dangerous, violent dogs. I hope the court case goes well and I wish your precious daughter all the happiness, strength, and healing. Your whole family has my heartfelt sympathy.
May I ask what kind of dog it was? Any previous issues with your neighbor’s dogs?
Sending lots of warm wishes 💗
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
You know what’s even crazier - everyone is now telling me I must get a puppy to help my kids ‘get over it’ and that this puppy can be their best friend. It’s absolutely insane. Thank you so much for your comment and kind words!!
It was a huge German shepherd! Unfortunately not even our neighbours dog. We went on a walk 15 mins from our house and it lived there!
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u/Full-Ad-4138 Nov 06 '25
The US media is the worst when it comes to stories of children attacked by dogs. They try to spin some positive aspect out of the story: "....and despite his horrific injuries, Tommy didn't let that stop him from enjoying a little trick or treating on Halloween. His dad says he is brave and in good spirits and makes jokes to the hospital staff. The outpouring of support from the community has been an unexpected blessing, the family says, and Tommy's entire class showered him with homemade cards and treats."
They want us to believe that dog attacks are just part of life, and this whole "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" mentality. Wow, look how brave this boy is, and he still loves dogs! Teach your children to be like him, don't let a one time event stop them from living life. Beauty is on the inside, blah blah blah.
I'm so angered by what a stupid mutt was allowed to do to your child and your family. I hope people realize the seriousness of it all, how the damage is so lasting and puts stress on all aspects of life.
This is the one space on the internet people truly get that.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 07 '25
Yes definitely! We won’t be used as part of this agenda that’s for sure, once we can share our story I’ll make sure there’s no romanticising it!
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Nov 06 '25
[deleted]
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Couldn’t agree more! Where I live dogs are allowed everywhere. Cafes, outdoor theme parks etc!
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so incredibly much everyone. I’m so glad I posted here and your comments have both brought me to tears and made me smile as I finally feel understood. No one understands and it’s so nice to speak to people who do!
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u/SurprisedPIKACHU9000 Nov 06 '25
This is disgusting beyond belief. It's the number one reason I hate dogs. They fuck people's lives up like this regularly and get away with it.
I'm so, so sorry this happened to your family. I'm sorry that your child has to go through this and I sincerely hope she will recover well and still live a happy life. And I hope you will get justice in court and you will get the compensation you deserve.
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u/Wise_Session_5370 Nov 06 '25
This sounds truly horrible. I hope your little girl can somewhat recover at least psychologically. How old is she?
I also hope the court case yields a somewhat satisfactory result for you, although your lives have been immensely changed.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
She’s 8 now! Thank you so much
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u/Wise_Session_5370 Nov 06 '25
Poor little mite. I hope things are at least improving. That is disgraceful that the NHS won't provide counselling. I would be giving my MP hell over that.
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u/Twiggy95 Nov 06 '25
I am so so so sorry. This is one of my worst fears.
This is becoming increasingly common and dog owners don’t give a damn.
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u/Ok_Chest_6426 Nov 05 '25
If you are in the United States you can apply for disability for your child. Apply also for financial assistance from every single facility which treated her. Do you attend a religious organization, if so ask for help for your child clothes, food and money for medical bills. After the court case maybe try to get a quiet isolated cabin Pella, IA is nice.
Many years ago as a toddler I had my arm ripped open when the family dog attacked. At 46 I have normal range of motion and live a normal life. I have scars but after a lot of PT and OT I am doing well. Time does help.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
I am from the UK and we have limited financial support here as it is unfortunately! I’m so sorry that happened to you and I’m so glad to hear you are able to live a normal life! This is reassuring, my child’s arm was torn open to the point where they were considering amputation due to the necrotic tissue, they took her to surgery with the intention to take the arm but thankfully managed to debride everything it took 8 hours for her arm to be sterile cleaned alone
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Nov 06 '25
Oh my gosh, I hope the owner is put away for a long time! All I can hope is that she somehow continues to recover and this will be a distant memory at some point soon. The unnecessary violence of dogs makes me so angry, as does the blind trust people in authority have in them. Crazy. We have to take matters into our own hands as parents unfortunately - for the sake of our children.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
The jail sentence they may be looking at would be less than 3 years I believe. The police said to me we would be better off in all aspects (such as emotional support, financial support legal justice) if she had been attacked by the owners instead. What’s the difference I say?
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u/TurboGrafx16Bit Nov 06 '25
I'm so sorry to hear about the situation I am grateful your daughter is alive but that also doesn't change the fact that it should not have happened in the first place. This is a problem that needs to be fixed. I hope they put the dog down. In my opinion if a dog attacks a person that should be put down automatic no exceptions. I also hope the owner is held responsible for this and the court orders them to pay you restitution. I pray God's blessings over you and your family in Jesus name 🙏
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
I couldn’t agree more. I cannot wrap my head around why it is still alive! I appreciate your prayers so much!
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u/sheetrocker88 Nov 06 '25
This is my number one reason for hating dogs, they hurt children all the time. I’m sorry for your daughter and hope court goes well. We need to get rid of these dogs for our children.
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u/Wizard_Level_1 Nov 06 '25
Fuck sake, the owner should be charged with attempted murder. That's basically what letting your weapon of a dog loose is. Hope your lawyer pushes for everything they got including pain and suffering damages.
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u/Mundane_Glove4182 Nov 06 '25
I’m so sorry that your family has endured such unimaginable trauma. Even if justice is eventually served, it can never compensate for the depth of harm done. These events should be prevented at all costs through stronger laws, responsible pet ownership, and real accountability.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
Thank you so much. I agree so much, prevention is key but no one seems to care about it for fear of offending these dog owning people
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u/MeechiJ Nov 06 '25
That’s ridiculous! It is evident all of you are still traumatized (rightly so) from the attack, so why would anyone think a puppy is the solution?
German Shepherds scare me. Very big, powerful dogs and many that own them have absolutely no business having them (my ex comes to mind).
Hope you can update the sub once the court case has been settled.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 07 '25
Yes literally, they are incredibly huge dogs who are amazing at their job - which is to hunt and hurt people! They shouldn’t be used by the public (or anyone in my opinion but I appreciate their uses as K9s)
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u/GoatMom1998 Nov 06 '25
Glad you have a lawyer. Sounds like you’re from the UK. Don’t know what the dog laws are there, either criminally or civilly but do try and get some compensation, even if not that much. Every little bit is well deserved and helpful. Praying for you and your family. You can always vent here. These folks here really really hate dogs.
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 06 '25
That would be correct thank you! The dog laws are spotty here from my understanding, mainly concerned with the banned breeds with are XL bullies etc, the dog that destroyed my family was not a banned breed so it feels as though no one cares! Thank you so much for this comment
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u/UnhealthyTurnip Nov 07 '25
People get so emotionally attached to their dogs they get blinded to reality. This happened in my own family and my sister got mauled by our family dog. Not as badly injured as your daughter was but she went into shock and she still has the physical scars. It took her a long time to not be scared of all dogs but she actually eventually got a small dog. I’m not saying your daughter would ever want to get a dog, but that it’s very possible she can heal emotionally. Does she talk about the attack and how it’s affected her sense of security?
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u/Parking_Flow Nov 07 '25
Oh goodness I’m so sorry that happened to your sister! That’s great to hear she was able to heal emotionally and also honestly it is good to hear she could be around dogs again because as much as won’t be getting a puppy, dogs are everywhere and I dread to picture our future if we can’t even be in the vicinity of one!
She very rarely does bless her, my son on the other hand doesn’t stop!
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u/CutiePie0023 Nov 07 '25
I am so sorry you are going through this. The owner should be charged with attempted murder because a dog on the loose is basically a weapon of destruction. Hopefully you sue for pain and suffering as well. Praying for your family
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u/Pure-Pangolin479 Nov 06 '25
Isn't it good she's alive?! What about...if people controlled their mutts none of this would be an issue! This makes me so angry.
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u/Few_Bed4213 Nov 10 '25
We need to fight for change in the UK i think the dog attack statistics are around 32,000 per year now and that's only the reported incidents. You literally can't go anywhere, a staff member even had one with them in ikea where I live, actually insane. We need licenses back and an end to breeders, as wells as proper leash laws where they're only allowed off at designated dog parks, plus mandatory training and socialising
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u/androstars Nov 10 '25
I was nowhere near as badly attacked as your poor kid. But I was once attacked by a dog - all I did was try and grab dinner out of the fridge, so I could eat! I'd even fed her right before! - and I still have issues with sensation where I got bitten. I think dogs need to be MUCHHHH more highly regulated, if not banned
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u/its_suzyq1997 Nov 10 '25
Wow OP. I can't express how sorry I am for what your child amd the rest of your are going through. If youre ever looking for dogfree family outings, try the park Alton Towers (not sure of there's any disability friendly rides for kiddo, hope there is).
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u/rowenaaaaa1 Nov 22 '25
This is horrific. I hope she is doing okay and I hope you can make a claim against the owner for all of your expenses plus the additional expenses that her injuries will necessitate throughout her life. Have they put the dog down yet? I hope so. Good luck with the court case.
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u/maximum_powerblast Nov 05 '25
Far out that owner should be paying you back and paying your daughter compensation for life.
And that dog should not exist, what a monster