dagnabit!

Today, against my better judgement, I let Daniel(my oldest who's 9) go to a new friend's house. I hadn't met the parents yet, or been to the home of this new friend. But I had met the new friend, so I said yes. I knew there were reasons why I had rules in place!! (I usually NEVER let my children go to a home of someone I don't know, or haven't visited personally.)

As soon as Daniel walked into the house of his new friend, he was attacked by their 5 dogs. Daniel scrambled around and locked himself in a room in their home. But, not before being brutally bitten above his ribcage. :( And, aside from some bumps, scratches and one very serious bite, he's fine. (If you can call being attacked by a pack of dogs and still walking fine.)

Daniel went into shock shortly after I got him into the emergency room, where the doctor treated 7 puncture wounds and several small lacerations above the ribcage of his left side. It was so hard to stay calm and keep Daniel from shaking so much!
I know it was totally God who gave me the strength to stay levelheaded and strong in those moments! His mind kept thinking he was still being attacked and I had to keep snapping him back to attention that the attack was over.

Physically, Daniel is doing good. He's on antibiotics and doesn't need a tetnus shot. Emotionally, he's very scared and yeah, mentally damaged a bit from the incident. However, he's such a little trooper and we had a long prayer session tonight for his new friend and their family. Daniel realizes that it's not the family's fault(directly) and wants to show them Jesus, even though he's "freaking scared" of ever going outside where there are dogs ever again.

I'm torn. Between wanting to destroy the dog that did it, (personally! bc I think I would feel better) and being mad at the owner for owning animals that would attack a child.

I really want to do 'something' about the dog situation in our neighborhood. I know there are regulations in tact with our home owners association, yet I see a lot of dogs running around during the day. I've even called my daughters(4 and 5) into the house because of the dogs coming into our yard and roaming up and down our street.
This incident with Daniel doesn't have as much impact. Since Daniel was invited into someone's home and the accident happened there. However, it does make me worry.

I'm praying very hard as to how I should handle my neighbors, my fears and my worries for my kiddos. I had a major breakdown after we got home and everyone was settled in...it's just so "freaking scary" how fragile my children are, and how big and wide the world is. I know you can't protect them from every little thing...but this! Must be something I can do. :(

Keep Daniel in your prayers!

<3SarahLynn