FOLLOW-UP: Dog attack victim discharged

Dressed in a comfortable slip-on dress, Linda Venter (37) looks at her fading manicure, picking at the rough edges.

“I wonder if I qualify for a half-price special?” she said with a bright smile spreading across her face.

The mom of three was discharged from Netcare Union Hospital, Alberton, on September 27, merely 28 days after she was viciously attacked by their family dog, Zeus, at their Brentwood Park home.

Linda lost her right arm in the attack when she threw herself between their beloved dog and her son Brayden (11), who was initially attacked.

“I can remember every detail of the day, from the moment we started our early morning routine to the moment I heard Zeus attacking Brayden,” she said as she sat in the comfort of her home.

“Zeus was a big baby and was like my shadow. When he stood on his hind legs, he towered over me. I have no idea what triggered the attack. He was playing ball with Brayden as they have done on countless afternoons.

“Brayden would kick the ball, and Zeus would fetch. It was their afternoon ritual.”

Shrugging her shoulders, the pint-sized woman smiles once more, saying that dwelling on the how and why cannot change the events that transpired on August 29, which have invariably altered the family’s lives.

“Being at home is the greatest blessing. I am with the loves of my life and, most importantly, although still healing from his injuries, specifically the bite wound on his buttock, Brayden is alive,” she said with her grey eyes sparkling.

“I can learn to live without an arm, but I would not have been able to live without any of my children.”

Speaking about the day of the attack, Magda le Roux, Linda’s aunt, who has been living with the family, says the attack lasted about 10 minutes before a neighbour, who had jumped the wall, was able to ward off Zeus.

“I remember Linda screaming, telling me to get the kids to safety,” said Le Roux.

“Brian (four) was nearby. I grabbed him and ran outside to the park across the road. Brendan (14) had already jumped into action, phoning for help.

“Before I knew it, the park in Swellendam Street was filled with emergency vehicles and responders running to help Brayden and Linda.”

Linda says she used her non-dominant right arm to shield Brayden from the dog’s bites.

“Zeus turned on me, biting and shaking my arm. The first and second bites were incredibly painful, but I think the adrenaline kicked in, and I didn’t feel anything else. I was using my left arm to cover my throat and face.”

Upon the arrival of medical personnel, Linda said she immediately knew the damage to her arm was severe.

“I was not shocked or surprised that my arm was amputated when I woke up from the six-day medically induced coma,” she said.

“Being able to wake up and see my family was the most glorious gift.”

Regarding the road to recovery, Linda said she feels positive and takes every moment as it comes.

“Initially, I was hesitant about coming home. I told Marius, my husband, that I wanted to move. Thankfully, logic kicked in, and I realised I could not uproot my family,” she said.

“I know there will be challenges and days I might feel frustrated, but I am focused on embracing life.

“I have resigned from all cooking duties, although Brian said I can still stir a pot, so I am not completely excused from the kitchen.”

Once fully recovered, she said she thinks the family deserve a break where the family of five can simply relax.

Pointing out the wounds to her left arm, where they did a skin graph, both her legs and abdomen, she said the physical healing is in the hands of God.

“My priority is ensuring we all get the counselling we need. Brain has a lot of questions about the day, while Brayden is struggling with feelings of guilt,” Linda said.

“Brendan has expressed anger, saying he could not help me. We will take on this journey together and hopefully grow even stronger as a family and foster a greater appreciation for the grace we were granted. Together, we will heal and grow.”

Smiling broadly, Linda said she is blown away by the love and support the family has received from strangers, community members, friends and family.

“The outpouring of prayers is immeasurable, and words will never be enough to express our gratitude,” Linda said.

“Our family’s names have been spoken in the homes of strangers, and on the day of the attack, many people rushed to our aid. I am so grateful for everyone who carried us through this period and will forever remain humbled by their care.”

Although the Venters have a hospital plan, it is not yet clear if it will cover all the medical costs and rehabilitation.

Approximately R175 000 is needed to cover any shortfalls.

To date, R63 000 was pledged to the BackaBuddy Linda Venter Support Campaign.

To pledge your support, log on to www.backabuddy.co.za/linda-venter-5694114255913642754.

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