Natalee Spears' surgeon called her injuries some of the worst she's seen in 14 years at the hospital.
Natalee is healing faster than anyone imagined, and she could be going home soon.
On the morning of May 20, Natalee had just finished breakfast when Browser, the family pit bull, attacked.
Her stepmother, Tammy Hughes, was in the room.
"I pried his mouth open and was hitting him in the face, trying to get him off of her," Hughes said. "Got him off. He got loose again from me."
Hughes got her out of the room and away from the dog. She said Natlee's face was barely hanging on. Seconds later, she was shocked to see Natalee's resiliency.
"I was scared, holding her," Hughes said. "You don't know it's gonna get fixed, and then she started singing 'You Are My Sunshine' with me."
Natalee was rushed to a Bakersfield hospital, but doctors said she needed a higher level care, so she was airlifted to Valley Children's.
She underwent six hours of surgery to re-attach her face, repair nerve damage, reconstruct her nose and fix her jaw that was broken on both sides.
Fast forward 17 days and Natalee is making plans like any 4-year-old.
"I have an ice cream party," she said.
She's also well aware of her injuries.
"I got a hole, I gotta a hole in my neck," the little girl said.
While Natalee recuperates, Valley Children's is also reintroducing her to animals. The lesson is to teach Natalee that dogs are friendly but to be gentle.
Her surgeon, Dr. Angela Rodriguez, dropped by to check on Natalee.
"We have to see the response of the facial nerve, but thankfully in that area it branches really nicely and it can recover especially in a child as young as Natalee," the doctor said.
Natalee hopes to check out of the hospital Friday.
Rodriguez said Natalee may need more surgeries, but it depends on her recovery in the next six months.
GoFundMe: Natalee Spears
Created May 30, 2017
Michael N Karen Soukup
on behalf of Ronald Spears
Medical
OGDEN, UT
My brother's family has just experienced a parents worst nightmare with their 4 year old daughter Natalee. Natalee was attacked by [her family's Pit Bull] that severely injured her face.
Natalee is a bright and energetic 4 year old. Natalee's saying is "I love all body and all things" any little bit will help their family with bills, and the ability to stay with Natalee to get her better!! Thank you for your support and prayers.
Help spread the word!
(KMPH - May 30, 2017)