PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident where a two-year-old boy was injured by a dog.
“Very energetic two-year-old child, loves to play," said Marlene Bernier.
The Bernier family said two-year-old Noah is recovering after what they called a nightmare.
Around 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a call for service regarding an animal bite in the Sunnydale Drive area of Hudson.
“He was outside playing with his sister and his mom and dad when the neighbor’s dog got out, and it came down and into Noah’s yard and grabbed Noah. He was on his little bicycle in the yard," said Bernier. "It grabbed him off his bike and attacked him.”
The family said Noah is getting treatment for his injuries right now at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
Bernier, Noah's grandma, shared how he's doing now.
“Today, Noah is still very up and down. We’re still within the critical 72 hours," said Bernier. "He had to have surgery on Friday morning, brain surgery, so we’re still in the very 72 hours of that brain surgery because the dog did fracture his skull both on the left and right side.”
According to the Sheriff's Office, a caretaker of the boy shot the dog to defend him.
“It’s still very, very difficult. It’s just a nightmare, and I don’t even have the words right now," said Bernier.
While the investigation continues and Noah recovers, his family asks for the community's support.
"All we can do is keep praying and ask the community to please pray," said Bernier.
The family has a GoFundMe to help with expenses. For more information, click here.
