Dogs have a special place in our hearts. They become part of our families and bring immense joy to our lives. But sometimes, things can go terribly wrong, as Jacqueline Durand experienced first-hand.
Jacqueline, a dog lover herself, was helping out a neighbor by dog sitting. She was told that the dogs in the house, a Boxer Pitbull mix and a German Shepherd mix, would be restrained. However, when she arrived, she discovered that the dogs were loose.
Initially, the dogs were familiar with Jacqueline, but on that fateful day, they attacked her without warning. For a horrifying 37 minutes, they mauled her, causing severe damage to her face. It was a life-threatening situation, and she feared for her life.
By the time the police arrived, the dogs had inflicted significant damage. Sadly, they were put down, while Jacqueline filed a lawsuit against the negligent owners.
To recover from her injuries, Jacqueline had to undergo multiple rounds of reconstructive surgery. The goal was to replace the skin she had lost during the attack. It has been a long and challenging journey, but she is determined to show the world her resilience.
“I didn’t ask for this,” she said. “But now it’s time to show who I am and not be scared anymore. Dog owners need to know their animals and communicate with their pet sitters about their behavior.”
Although Jacqueline will never fully recover from the attack, she continues to raise awareness about the dangers associated with dogs. She still loves dogs and wants to work with them, but she now avoids those specific breeds due to the traumatic flashbacks she experiences.
Sharing her journey on social media, Jacqueline keeps her followers updated on her progress. Recently, she underwent her 20th reconstructive surgery and shared before-and-after pictures. Despite the swelling and soreness, she remains resilient and determined. She uses hashtags like #tigerstrong, #survivor, and #20thsurgery to showcase her strength.
Another concern Jacqueline had after the attack was whether her boyfriend would stay with her. She felt she had changed forever and questioned if he still wanted to be a part of her life. Much to her relief, he stood by her side, showing unwavering support.
According to a recent social media post, Jacqueline and her boyfriend are celebrating their fifth anniversary. She expresses deep gratitude for his presence in her life, describing him as her rock and safe haven. He understands her struggles with PTSD and knows how to calm her down during challenging moments.
“I can’t believe it’s been HALF a decade with you,” she said. “Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have been on this journey together. You are my rock, and I’m thankful for your sensitivity towards my needs. This medical journey may not be pretty, but I can’t imagine going through it with anyone else.”
Jacqueline’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. She is determined to use her experience to educate others and ensure that dog owners understand their responsibilities. Through her strength and courage, she has become an inspiration to many.
