Hundreds of people have sent money, gifts, messages of support - and the offer of puppies - to dog attack victim Carolina Anderson.
Carolina's father, John Anderson, yesterday turned down a cairn terrier and a miniature fox terrier, saying it was too soon for the 7-year-old, who returned home at the weekend, to have a pet dog because of her injuries.
He and his wife, Sandra Fresia, yesterday offered their "heartfelt thanks" to all the New Zealanders who had shown concern for their daughter, to hospital staff for their care and to the Balmoral police and the community for catching the dog and its owners.
A newly opened trust fund had by mid-afternoon yesterday raised about $400. Carolina's trust fund comes on top of a Herald-backed appeal for a new $150,000 microscope for Middlemore Hospital which by yesterday had raised $120,200.
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.
