A brutal incident in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, has left a woman fighting for her life after being attacked by two pit bulls while riding her bicycle. Janelle Scott has been the focus of prayers and support from her family as she endures a harrowing recovery journey, which has already included the surgical removal of all four of her limbs.
The attack occurred late in the evening on September 9. Scott and her boyfriend were cycling to a friend’s home when the two dogs escaped from the property. Initially, Scott’s boyfriend was too far behind to intervene. However, he managed to kill one of the dogs when it turned on him. According to Scott’s mother, Cheryl, it was a horrifying experience that left the pair in shock.
The family has shared heartbreaking updates on Scott’s condition. “I have to encourage her, and then I have to take a break outside and do my crying,” Cheryl Scott revealed, capturing the duality of hope and grief that accompanies this devastating situation. Scott suffered “significant and severe injuries,” needing immediate medical attention after police found her bleeding from the attack.
As the horrifying details came to light, it became evident just how grave her injuries were. Describing the moment her daughter realized the extent of the damage, Cheryl said, “After seeing her arm after the attack, she knew she was going to lose her right arm because she said when she looked down, she could see the bone, and it was just barely hanging on by tendons.” This grim realization marked the beginning of a long and painful ordeal.
Scott was airlifted to Tulsa St. Francis Hospital, where further surgeries awaited her. The initial operations focused on the right arm and leg. However, as she regained consciousness, Scott learned that doctors had also amputated her left limbs. “That was hard for her because she was left-handed, so she thought she was gonna get to keep her left arm,” Cheryl shared. This emotional blow highlights the psychological toll of trauma, alongside the physical challenges Scott faces.
Her medical journey continues. Recent reports indicate that she is scheduled for more surgeries, with hopes that some muscle will remain to accommodate prosthetics in the future. “I pray that her body has the strength for more surgery,” Cheryl posted in a GoFundMe update. The strength of the family’s resolve comes through in their pleas for support and prayers from the community.
Compounding this tragedy is the fact that the dogs’ owner was reportedly in jail at the time of the incident. The individual responsible for the animals has since been ticketed, while authorities continue to investigate the surviving dog’s involvement in the attack. The circumstances surrounding the incident raise questions about dog ownership and responsibility, underscoring the importance of safety in such situations.
This incident, with its raw and distressing details, serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can come from man’s best friend. The road ahead for Janelle Scott is uncertain, but her family’s unwavering support is evident through their heartfelt updates and calls for prayers. The hope that she can overcome these challenges remains strong, and the community’s response could play a crucial role in her recovery.
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