Influencer’s Daughter, 3, ‘Mauled’ by Dog as Mom Says Doctors Stopped Counting Stitches After 150

**Influencer Rachel Gibbs Reveals Harrowing Dog Attack Involving Her Young Daughter**

Rachel Gibbs, well-known as a social media influencer, has bravely shared her family’s traumatic experience following a dog attack on her three-year-old daughter, Hazel Paige. The incident, which left Hazel with over 150 stitches in her face, has prompted Gibbs to speak out about the importance of child safety around pets, particularly following such distressing events.

In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Gibbs recounted the terrifying moments when her parents’ dog attacked Hazel while the family was gathered at their home on 26 July. According to Gibbs, both she and her mother were present when the unfortunate event unfolded, and she described it as “the scariest hour of my life.” “It just happened so quickly,” she said, recounting the frantic rush to the hospital where Hazel underwent extensive treatment.

The little girl received multiple stitches in a three-layer procedure, comprising two layers of internal stitches and one layer externally. “We are incredibly fortunate that there was a plastic surgeon and a facial reconstructive specialist available,” Gibbs stated, expressing gratitude for the medical team that attended to her daughter’s serious injuries. Upon returning home, Hazel was reported to have one eye completely swollen shut.

Referring to her daughter’s resilience, Gibbs remarked, “She’s such a trooper. I am absolutely amazed by how strong children can be.” As she continued to reflect on the incident, Gibbs also shared her growing anxiety regarding her own pets, which are two large German Shepherd mixes, and expressed the need for cautiousness when around dogs, especially those with an established history or temperament issues.

In her communication, Gibbs solicited support from her followers, seeking any advice on pet management to ensure her daughter’s emotional recovery. “The priority is my daughter and her recovery,” she emphasised. She mentioned that Hazel might have a small scar reminiscent of the character Harry Potter, a playful homage given that the child was named after the beloved wizard.

Responses to Gibbs’s posts revealed a mix of empathy and concern from the online community, with some users sharing similar experiences and offering suggestions. In one comment, a follower expressed concern about dogs posing risks to young children. Gibbs agreed, lamenting the unpredictability of pet behaviour, especially in children’s presence.

As the discussion progressed, some commenters suggested that the dog responsible for the attack should be rehomed or euthanised. Gibbs explained that, according to local laws, the dog involved would need to be relocated. She disclosed that authorities would soon take the necessary steps to collect the dog from her parents’ home, a decision that has caused her significant distress. “It’s hard to understand how the dog is still in their home,” Gibbs questioned, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.

In another update, Gibbs brought her audience up to speed on Hazel’s condition following surgery. “The doctor told me he stopped counting the stitches after he reached 150,” she highlighted, asserting that despite the trauma and potential for lasting scars, Hazel was lucky to have avoided damage to her optical nerves.

While grateful for the medical outcome, Gibbs felt conflicted over her parents’ decision to keep the dog after the attack. “Why have they not gotten rid of the dog? Why is my daughter not more important than this animal?” she asked in disbelief. “It’s challenging for me to comprehend why protecting my daughter isn’t their priority.”

Gibbs admitted that she initially pondered other solutions before her views shifted post-incident. While a commenter proposed using a kennel as an alternative during family visits, Gibbs expressed frustration at the suggestion. “If my daughter hears the dog barking and panics, then it’s just not fair for her,” she responded, emphasising the need for her parents to consider rehoming for the sake of their granddaughter.

In the wake of this traumatic encounter, Rachel Gibbs continues to advocate for child safety around pets while navigating the complexities of familial relationships and the aftermath of such a distressing event. Through her platform, she aims to raise awareness on the need for caution concerning pets, especially in households with young children.