As of October 2024, my children continue to struggle with the emotional aftermath of that day. They avoid certain dog breeds, flinch at barking, and feel a rush of anxiety if a dog moves suddenly toward them. Their recovery has been slow, and the trauma lingers in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

It feels like every day that we hear of another dog attack, things need to change, and harsh consequences need to be enforced on irresponsible pet owners.