FOLLOW-UP: Mom awake and lucid following dog attack

Brentwood Park mom of three, Linda Venter (37), is awake and lucid after being in an induced coma for the past six days.

Venter was airlifted to the Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton on August 29 after she suffered severe injuries to her face, arm, abdomen and leg when the family’s dog, Zeus, viciously attacked her son, Brayden (11), and then turned on her.

A relieved Philip Stoneman, chaplain for Trauma Support SA and Venter’s brother-in-law, told the City Times on Tuesday (September 5) that Linda regained consciousness and was weaned off a ventilator just after 14:00 on September 4, following the first of several reconstructive surgeries.

Her right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder following the attack.

“According to the doctors, Linda’s shoulder is intact with a six to eight-centimetre piece of the upper arm still attached,” said Stoneman.

“This is good news and will greatly assist throughout the rehabilitation process, as well as with prosthetics.”

Although still receiving medication to manage the pain, Venter seemed to be in good spirits asking those gathered around her bed for a coldrink, added Stoneman.

“The nursing staff even allowed her to speak to Brayden, who was still at Netcare Linmed’s paediatric ward,” he said.

“Mom and son spoke happily with Brayden telling Linda that they will get through the ordeal stronger than ever.”
Stoneman said Venter is aware that she has lost her arm and can recall some details pertaining to the attack.

“Linda recalls using her right arm to shield her throat from Zeus’ bites,” he said.

“As a trauma support councillor, I believe this is a very good sign. It means that Linda’s subconscious has not suppressed the memories of the day.

“With this in mind, counselling can now begin, which will in turn assist with the physical and emotional healing process.”

He added that the entire family is already undergoing counselling.

To add to the positive news, doctors have given Brayden the all-clear and the avid rugby player from Laerskool Rynfield will soon be discharged from hospital, only a week after being admitted.

“We are overjoyed with the news that he will return home soon,” said Stoneman.

“As a family we have supported, Marius, who has been bouncing between hospitals to be at his wife and son’s bedside, while still tending to the couple’s other two sons, Brendan (14) and Brian (4).

“We hope with the positive turn of events that he will be able to get some well-deserved rest knowing that both are on the road to recovery.”

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