For a brief moment, they thought they had lost him.
The right side of Nelson Harvey’s face was torn to shreds by a ridgeback boerbull cross recently, leaving the five-year-old with a broken jaw, a severely damaged eardrum and 24 stitches.
As previously reported in the Newcastle Advertiser, Nelson was set to undergo surgery to repair his jaw on February 6.
Unfortunately, his operation was postponed to February 18.
The wait has become unbearable for both Nelson and his family. The boy was restricted to consuming only liquids for the foreseeable future.
“My heart is still very sore,” said Nelson’s grandmother, Vanessa Adams. “I cry because I hate that my grandson has to endure this pain; it’s killing me inside.”
Mrs Adams thanked her husband, William, for his support throughout the ordeal.
“I would also like to thank my family, friends, neighbours and doctors for their support; they have been truly amazing.”
The extent of the blow to Nelson’s ear has finally been ascertained. Information regarding the treatment of the injury is yet to be disclosed by doctors.
“He has a hole in his eardrum,” said Mrs Adams. “Doctors will tend to it after his operation.”
As far as Nelson’s jaw is concerned, screws will be inserted in an effort to repair the damage done by the dog.
Physically and emotionally scarred, Mrs Adams disclosed Nelson would have to attend counselling sessions.
“He has horrible nightmares,” she claimed. “He screams ‘Get this dog off me granny’ in his sleep; it breaks my heart.”
While the psychological scars are invisible, the damage inflicted to Nelson’s face is evident.
Yet, he still manages to force a smile…
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes Nelson well for his upcoming surgery.
