IOWA -- Karen Ketterling did not think twice before putting herself between a disabled kindergartner and a large dog on the attack last month.
The 22-year veteran paraprofessional at Grandview Elementary received several stitches in her arm on May 21 after being bitten by a large Rottweiler that was running for a girl who walks with the aid of leg braces and crutches.
Ketterling — who was honored Thursday by the Rapid City Area Schools for her heroism — said they were on the playground when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Two large dogs came running around a corner and Ketterling said the rest was "like a dream."
"They just came so fast and before I knew it they were coming towards the little girl," Ketterling said. "I just pushed her behind me and put my arm up and that is when he bit me. He latched on."
Ketterling received a hero's reception during Thursday's school board meeting. She was blushing and shocked that about 15 of her friends, co-workers and family came to the ceremony and brought her flowers.
Grandview principal Shannon Schaeffers sat smiling next to Ketterling, who seemed somewhat embarrassed by the attention. Schaeffers said Ketterling was incredibly courageous.
"She's our hero," Schaeffers said. "I think it really shows her dedication and how much she cares for the kids."
It was an unusually cold day in late May when the incident happened, Ketterling said. The janitor saw the incident from the window of the school and came running out to help her. After lots of yelling, the dog finally let go of her arm.
"It seemed like it lasted forever," Ketterling said.
The school was placed on lockdown for about half an hour after the incident. Police officers caught the rottweiler, which was later euthanized.
Ketterling was glad for the cool weather because she was wearing a coat, and if she hadn't been, she might have needed a lot more than the five stitches it took to sew her up.
The Columbia jacket and liner she had on that day saved her from an even worse injury, but she was most shocked that the garment suffered no damage itself.
"What's funny is the bite didn't even put a hole in my coat," Ketterling told her friends and family as they gathered around her Thursday.
"That should be in a Columbia commercial," Schaeffers said.
Ketterling responded that she did write a letter to the company and had already received a response.
"They just thanked me for my letter and said they hope my arm feels better soon," Ketterling said.
(Rapid City Journal - June 7, 2013)
