A mother from Mountain Home, Idaho, is bravely recounting a horrifying incident involving her family’s foster dog, which resulted in serious injuries for her. Natasha Chapman, who has been in the care of a two-year-old Lab-Catahoula mix named Bodie since November, found herself in a life-threatening situation on February 20 when the dog unexpectedly attacked her.
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In an interview with ABC affiliate KIVI, Chapman expressed her shock at Bodie’s behaviour, claiming it was out of character for the dog. “I would never have a dog that I thought was dangerous,” she stated. However, what transpired that day would lead to a traumatic experience for the entire family. At the time of the attack, Chapman was holding her 11-month-old daughter, and in a split-second decision, she pushed her child to safety. “I tossed her out of the way and just went back to fighting him off,” she recounted.
The aftermath of the attack left Chapman with severe injuries. In a heart-wrenching post on social media, she detailed the extent of her wounds, stating, “He bit me on every part of my body except the legs. I have deep punctures everywhere including my skull.” Furthermore, it was revealed that the family had been attempting to find a new home for Bodie prior to the incident, which now adds another layer of grief to the traumatic event.
Chapman’s four-year-old daughter, Atalie, was home from school during the attack and played a crucial role in seeking help. After witnessing her mother’s struggle, she ran outside to alert nearby authorities. Officers from the local police department quickly arrived on the scene and not only addressed the situation with the dog but also stayed behind to provide support for Chapman’s daughters while their mother received medical attention.
In the days following the incident, Bodie was euthanised, and Chapman is grappling with the difficult decision. “I have a lot of guilt because my daughter misses him so much. She tells me every day she misses Bodie. I have all this guilt because it feels like I triggered something. I know that I didn’t because I wasn’t hurting him,” she shared, reflecting on the emotional turmoil she faces after the attack.
Chapman underwent surgery to repair her ear, which was damaged during the encounter. Her injuries also required numerous stitches and staples on her head, face, arms, and stomach. To assist with the unexpected medical expenses and provide support to the family, her husband set up an online fundraiser that has garnered significant community responses.
Grateful for the outpouring of support, Chapman thanked her friends and neighbours who stepped in with food, furniture, and emotional support following the tragic incident. “They just embraced my family and have helped us so much,” she said, reiterating her appreciation for the kindness shown to her during this dark time.
As she begins her recovery journey, Chapman hopes to raise awareness about the potential dangers of foster animals, particularly the need for thorough evaluations before bringing a dog into a family environment. This experience has opened her eyes to the unpredictability of animal behaviour, even in dogs that may seem harmless.
In a press release issued on March 4, PEOPLE reached out to both Chapman and the Mountain Home Police Department for further comments. At this stage, a response regarding the ongoing issues related to the attack had not been received. As the Chapman family continues to heal, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities involved in pet adoption and care.