Carolina keen for own puppy

By CATHERINE MASTERS

Carolina Anderson was looking forward to getting a puppy before she was attacked by a dog, and if she still wants one when she recovers from her horrific injuries her dad says it is okay with him.

The 7-year-old animal lover already has a pair of rats, Rosy and Tom, which she adores. At one stage she wanted to be a vet, although lately she has decided she wants to be an air hostess.

John Anderson says he does not believe the vicious mauling his daughter received will put her off animals.

"She can clearly distinguish between a good dog and a bad dog."

Carolina, who is due to go home this weekend after at least 10 hours of operations to repair her face, has yet to say much about the attack although she made a comment early on that the dog was a "bad dog".

When she overheard from her Kidz First children's hospital bed a visitor suggesting that the owners be punished by spending time in the pound with dogs, at first she did not agree. But then she decided maybe they did deserve to be punished.

Mr Anderson says that before the attack, the family were looking at getting Carolina a dog, but it was going to be small, non-aggressive, pattable and cuddly.

They had been leaning towards a spaniel, poodle, australian terrier or jack russell. The jack russell is now off the list after one bit the nose off a Christchurch girl just days after Carolina's attack.

He says his daughter's fitness and her gregarious nature were helping her recovery and he hoped she would not be too traumatised, but only time would tell. Carolina yesterday sent a fax to her Bayfield School classmates in response to their cards and gifts, among the many sent to hospital.

Herald feature: When dogs attack

How you can help

A trust fund has been opened for 7-year-old dog attack victim Carolina Anderson. You can send a cheque to: Carolina Anderson Trust Account, BNZ, PO Box 46-294, Herne Bay, or donate over the internet to BNZ account number 020 248 000 3002-000.

The Herald is backing an appeal to raise money for a $150,000 operating-room microscope for Middlemore's plastic surgery unit. The microscope is essential in minute plastic surgery work such as reattaching nerves. Middlemore has two, used on Carolina Anderson and the victims of the Pipiroa sword attack, but they need replacing. Donations can be sent to: The Microsurgery Appeal, Editorial Department, New Zealand Herald, PO Box 706, Auckland.