Enfield Boy Recovering from Dog Attack

A joyous visit to see a neighbor’s newborn baby turned into a nightmare for an Enfield family Tuesday night.

Amber Bruno and her two children had just arrived to check out the infant when their neighbor’s dog broke free and attacked her 11-year-old son, Joshua.

According to Bruno, the dog ripped at Joshua’s face, necessitating 43 stitches. The boy will need plastic surgery shortly.

A photo made available to Enfield Patch reveals considerable damage to Joshua’s nose, the right side of his mouth and under his right eye. Enfield Patch has opted not to publish the photo.

Joshua is unable to open his mouth easily, and has been eating only bread, his mother said.

“He can only open his mouth big enough for a straw,” she said. “I can’t even put the syringe all the way in his mouth to give him his meds - just the small tip.”

As much as Joshua is experiencing physical pain, the emotional trauma may last much longer.

“My heart feels like it’s been torn out,” Bruno said. “My kids are my life and seeing Joshua like this is heartbreaking. He is going to eventually have a tutor come to the house to work with him for school, when he can talk again.”

The dog, a pit bull, was put down following the incident.

“These owners loved and cared for this dog very well,” Bruno said. “I feel really bad that they had to put it down. I’m really close with them all and this just breaks my heart.”

To assist with what is sure to be mounting medical bills, a GoFundMe page has been established for Joshua.