A woman from Oklahoma tragically underwent amputations of both arms and legs following a violent attack by an unrestrained dog while she was riding a bicycle with her boyfriend in early September.
On September 9, Janelle Scott was cycling in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, when a stray pit bull suddenly charged at them.
The aggressive dog knocked her off her bike and attacked her while her boyfriend hurriedly abandoned his bike to help her. In a bid to protect himself and Scott, he was forced to kill the attacking pit bull, as reported by Fox23.
Another pit bull was found nearby, but authorities did not find any evidence of its involvement in the incident.
The two dogs had previously belonged to a man who was in jail at the time, and they were being cared for by a friend of Scott’s. Reports indicate that the trailer where the dogs were kept may have been broken into that day, allowing them to escape, as stated by the Okmulgee Police Department.
According to Cheryl, Scott’s mother, the area where the friend lives required navigating through a wooded section, where the dogs emerged and attacked Scott, who was familiar with them.
Upon arrival, the officers discovered Scott in critical condition with “significant and severe injuries.”
She was quickly taken to the hospital, where she has remained since.
Scott faced severe damage to her right arm, which was almost completely severed, leading her to believe she would only lose that limb. However, due to the extensive nature of her injuries, doctors ended up amputating both arms and legs last Friday. A family update shared through their GoFundMe page indicated that more amputations might be necessary for her left leg.
Despite her challenges, Cheryl expressed pride in Scott’s determination as she endures multiple surgeries and the losses.
“Each day that involves surgery has been difficult,” Cheryl narrated. “I questioned how much more she could bear. But when she lost her limbs, I thought, now her body could finally begin healing.” Cheryl expressed her belief in her daughter’s strength, saying, “We are strong women, and I have faith she will emerge from this. I told her that there is a divine purpose behind all of this – we just need to uncover it.”
Moving forward, medical professionals will evaluate the remaining limbs of Scott to determine if there’s sufficient muscle for prosthetics.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Scott’s family to assist with medical expenses has already raised nearly $19,000 as of Thursday evening.
