By Matt Smith/msmith@trcle.com
The 6-year-old girl attacked by a pit bull near Keene Nov. 9 will probably remain hospitalized through Thanksgiving, her grandmother said Friday.
Billie Jean Cain underwent surgery to perform a skin graft Friday morning at Cook Children’s Medical Center, said Cain’s grandmother, Rhonda Turner.
A pit bull broke free of its chain about noon grabbing Cain by her head as she and her step-brother C.J. Gutzman, 10, were playing near their house.
“She was playing on the swing, and the dog just got her,” Turner said.
The dog ripped a 13-inch diameter section of Cain’s skull off. Gutzman threw a piece of pipe at the dog, which caused it to let go of Cain and run off.
“C.J. saved the day,” Turner said. “It could have been a lot worse. He was a hero. We’re hoping somebody recognizes C.J.”
The attack left a section of Cain’s scalp hanging, Turner said. She also suffered puncture wounds to her hands and feet where the dog bit through as well as injuries to her back and hip.
“The dog bit toward the back of her head and didn’t get her face, which we’re thankful for,” Turner said.
With her car and cell phone broken, Cain’s mother, Sherry Jean Everhart, had to flag down a passerby on U.S. 67. Fortunately, an off-duty paramedic with the Godley Fire Department stopped and remained on scene until Keene firefighters arrived.
“He’s called to see if Billie is OK and came by to bring her coloring books and crayons,” Turner said. “Sherry said he’s just a godsend that God put in the right place at the right time because he knew what to do.”
Cain came through Friday’s surgery fine and is expected to recover, but she faces more surgeries in the coming year, Turner said.
“She’s had a lot pain, but she’s doing about as well as can be expected,” Turner said. “She’s a strong little girl, and she’s been real calm through it all.
“She’s been a little hyper wanting to get out of bed, walk around and go home. But she’s been happy to get some presents. She thinks it’s like Christmas, I guess.”
Everhart and Cain’s father, Chris Cain, have been spending all their time at the hospital with Cain, Turner said. Family members hope to help out so the parents can get some rest.
The dog, which belongs to a neighbor, has been picked up, Turner said, but she has not heard what happened to the animal.
