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ST. GEORGE — A 7-year-old girl is recovering at a Salt Lake City hospital after the end of her nose was bitten off by a dog while she was playing at a friend’s home, police said.
Officers were dispatched to Dixie Regional Medical Center on a report of an animal bite Saturday, St. George police officer Lona Trombley said.
The girl had been playing outside at a friend’s house near 700 North and 1800 East when she called the dog over. The dog, a Labrador retriever, then growled, knocked her over and bit the end of her nose off, Trombley said.
The girl was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center and later transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City.
“She is in good spirits, according to her mother, and keeping a positive attitude,” Trombley said.
The girl was set to undergo a second surgery this week and it is anticipated she will have more in the coming weeks to rebuild her nose, according to a GoFundMe page* set up to help the family of the girl’s medical expenses.
KSL's Southern Utah News Section
Looking for more news from the southern part of the state? Visit our southern Utah section for more stories, events and features.The dog who bit the child was placed in quarantine at the St. George Animal Shelter and will remain there until next week to check to make sure it doesn’t have rabies or any other complications, according to Trombley. After that period, the dog may be returned to its owner.
The incident, she added, is a reminder for owners of pets and those around pets that while they are domesticated, they are still animals.
“We love them as part of our family; however, they are animals and they behave as animals would and we need to be aware as responsible pet owners that we need to be cautious when we bring new people around our pets,” Trombley said.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
