After pit bull attack, Elkhart 4-year-old on a long road to recovery

By Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Damonica Paul

A pit bull bit off 4-year-old Damonica Paul's nose in July 2009. (Photo Provided)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 27, 2009 at 2:43 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 2, 2009 at 11:22 AM EST

ELKHART — A little girl in Elkhart faces an uphill battle after she was attacked by a dog. A pit bull bit off 4-year-old Damonica Paul's nose last month. Family and friends are rallying around the family on her long road to recovery.

“I am looking at a 4-year-old girl that will never be able to breathe out of her nose again,” Melissa Paul told WSBT News.

Damonica Paul's parents have had a difficult time these last few weeks. After the pit bull attack in July, she's already had four surgeries on her face, and that's just the beginning. The first of several reconstructive surgeries starts next month in Indianapolis.

“She is beginning to have a little complex about her appearance. She's anxious and excited to look normal again,” Melissa said. “I'm dealing with a 4-year-old baby that's asking me what things smell like.”

Her parents say, as a 4-year-old in fragile condition, she sometimes has a hard time understanding why she can't go out and ride her bike, go to the playground or run around and play with friends.

“Doctors told us we can't let her go out and do the normal things, the activity that normal kids do — reason being, she could fall,” explained Damonica’s father Dewan Paul.

A fall that could cause further complications to her face.

“Without the support of family, friends, loved ones and God, I really don't know where I would be today mentally,” Melissa added.

Doctors say Damonica will likely be in and out of surgery for the next two to three years.

“The family is going through a very traumatic financial strain. Mr. Paul himself has been laid off,” said Pastor Kevin Adams, a family friend. “This is going to be a long, long, long road. There are going to be many surgeries.”

There is a fund set up to help the family with medical bills. You can donate to the "Damonica Relief Fund" at any 1st Source Bank.

This incident has also prompted Elkhart's city council to look at amending the city's laws regarding pit bulls.

Earlier this month, the council started reviewing a measure that could ban pit bulls and other breeds. The city council will look further into the issue next month during two public work sessions.

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