Long road to recovery for dog attack victim

Anita Els (57) of Port Edward endured a vicious attack by a pack of five border collie dogs on September 4, and four months after the life-changing incident, she desperately needs financial assistance to cover her medical and living costs.

Anita grew up in Umtata and is known for her warm smile from her time working at The Old Pont reception and being actively involved in the local church.

Her path to recovery is a long one, and she is also grappling with the psychological aftermath of her traumatic ordeal.

A mere two days after settling into her new residence, within walking distance of a promising job opportunity, Anita’s life took a tragic turn.

On that ill-fated day (September 4), Anita fell victim to a brutal dog attack, sustaining severe injuries on multiple body parts, including arms, legs, breasts, shoulder and back. The left leg, torn down to the bone, hovered on the brink of amputation.

“After a routine walk to fetch my medication, I faced a horrifying ordeal at my gate. Initially greeted by one of the dogs, the situation escalated when the others joined in, attacking me mercilessly. They tore my clothes, ripped off my shoes and left me traumatised. One particularly terrifying dog made eye contact, viciously biting my breast and shoulder,” said Anita.

Worried about this dog further biting her neck, she struck its snout in a desperate attempt to fend him off. It ran off, with the others in tow.

Anita managed to get out of the gate and onto the pavement. Shortly afterwards, she was rushed to Port Shepstone Regional Hospital.

Over a challenging six-week period, Anita underwent two surgeries that successfully averted the looming threat of amputation, saving her left leg.

Throughout this time, she demonstrated remarkable courage in facing painful wound-scrubbing procedures, numerous theatre visits, and considerable discomfort.

The dedicated doctors and professors at Albert Luthuli Hospital played a pivotal role in the miraculous preservation of her leg.

Despite enduring extreme pain and scarring after the successful integration of donor skin, Anita was given minimal pain medication during her stay.

Last month, Anita was discharged from hospital and has sought solace in a holiday home in Port Edward, generously provided by a couple from Norway.

The Port Edward community has played a vital role in Anita’s recovery, offering assistance from medical care to daily living essentials.

To aid Anita, a BackaBuddy initiative is being led by Angie Hodgson, a trustee of the Help Foundation and a close friend. The Help Foundation, in collaboration with Pastor John Pretorius and Hazel Oosthuis, is diligently managing the funds allocated for Anita’s recovery.

“If it were not for the BackaBuddy campaign, I don’t know what I would have done. How do you say thank you for such incredible kindness. The campaign has helped me get to where I am today: finally out of hospital and on the long road to recovery, as my wounds heal and I learn to walk again. The saddest part is that I am very distrusting of any dogs at this stage of my journey,” said Anita.

Anita calls her support system her ‘angel army,’ and thanks everyone for their continuous support in helping her rebuild her life.

Currently, Anita requires extensive physiotherapy due to a shortened Achilles tendon, compelling her to walk on her toes. This demands frequent travel to the nearest occupational therapist. Despite a successful skin grafting procedure, the donor side of her leg is still healing, and this has left Anita immobile.

“Another recent setback is the cost of going back to the doctor to treat the infection that has set into my breasts, where I was bitten,” said Anita.

Angie, reflecting on Anita’s journey, said, “It’s hard to find words that truly describe what Anita is going through. She’s showing immense courage and strength as she tries to rebuild her life after facing an unimaginable tough time. We’re incredibly thankful for the angels who have come together to support Anita.”

In pursuit of justice following her ordeal, Anita did file a case against her landlord, but regrettably, it was dismissed by the public prosecutor, leaving her with limited legal recourse. It has also allegedly come to light, that this is not the first time this pack of dogs have attacked a person.

If you would like to donate, contact Angie on 072 4523023.

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