Local boy home from hospital after dog mauling
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DRIGGS — A 5-year-old Driggs boy is home Saturday after surviving a dog mauling in his backyard on Thursday evening.
John and Jessie’s Vrabrec’s son Sawyer was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center Thursday evening with severe wounds to his face and eye. His mother told EastIdahoNews.com on Saturday that after three medical specialists worked to save Sawyer’s eye and stitch his wounds, the family was headed home that afternoon.
“It will be a long road of recovery,” said Jessie. “He has a lot of stitches, but no internal injuries. He’s wearing an eye patch so he’s a really cool pirate right now.”
The incident occurred in the evening around 7 p.m. according to Teton County Sheriff’s spokesman Mitch Golden. He said the incident is still under investigation and the dog was in possession of its owner. He did not have further information to offer.
Jessie and John did not want to comment further on the details of the attack. Jessie said Sawyer was wearing his snowsuit and winter jacket on the evening of the attack and she credits that with saving the little boy’s life.
On Saturday, the family was full of gratitude for what they said was an indescribable amount of community outpouring of support and love for their son who is a preschool student in Teton County School District 401.
“We are so overwhelmed,” said Jessie of the number of people who have reached out to the family. “From our church friends and family to our neighbors, it’s overwhelming.”
Jessie said Sawyer was in good spirits, although Saturday he was sad to miss the local Easter egg hunts in Teton Valley. The pediatric team at EIRMC created an egg hunt for Sawyer that continued to lift everyone’s spirits.
“He’s healing fast,” added Jessie. “Even his swelling has cleared up. I think he will be OK.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to support the family. Click here to donate.
