UNITED KINGDOM -- Toddler Lilly Llewellyn suffered 50 stitches in her face after a family pet snapped and turned on her in a vicious attack.
Breeders describe Cairn Terriers like eight-year-old Smokey, as "the best little pal in the world". But he mauled Lilly, 16 months, after she accidentally stepped on his tail.
Breeders describe Cairn Terriers like eight-year-old Smokey, as "the best little pal in the world". But he mauled Lilly, 16 months, after she accidentally stepped on his tail.
The startled Terrier sank his jaws into the child's face and tossed her around in a savaging that nearly cost her an eye.
Smokey has been put down. And yesterday Lilly was trying to be brave after a painful operation to repair her scarred face.
Her dad Lyn Llewellyn, 40, said: "The attack came from nowhere. We would never have expected it from Smokey. We don't know if the dog had a bad day or was unwell in some way.
"It is very traumatic for Lilly and for all the family. Once an animal has done that, though, you can't take the chance again.
"It's been awful. We didn't know at the time if she had lost her eye."
Mum Leanne Austin, 37, said: "She's been so brave and is recovering well. We hope the scars will fade." Mr Llewellyn added: "Obviously Lilly's face was swollen and one eye was closed.
"The doctors hope the scarring will fade because she is so young.
"But she will have to go to hospital for regular checks with the possibility of reconstructive surgery or laser treatment on her cheeks." Lilly's grandparents, who owned Smokey, were described as "distraught" at the sudden and ferocious attack and the terrible injuries.
All the family were full of praise for the paramedics who arrived and tended to Lilly at their home in Beddau, Mid Glamorgan, before she was taken to hospital for a four hours of surgery on her face.
Paramedic Steven Roberts, 50, said: "I could see the absolute terror in the dad's eyes. Her face was very swollen, but she was very, very lucky.
"The fang had gone in just above the eye and the lower mark was into the cheek. Another quarter of an inch and she could have lost her eye."
The Cairn Terrier Club refers to the breed as "the best little pal in the world". But committee member Sybil Berrecloth admitted they can snap and should not be left alone with a child.
She said: "They are adorable little pets and I've had them all my life. But one has to remember they are terriers and all terriers can be rather sharp. They can snap very quickly. They aren't the most patient of breeds.
"Usually they are wonderful with children, provided the child isn't allowed to tease them. The lesson is you should never leave any young child alone with a dog."
(Mirror UK - Oct 20, 2010)
