Bridgewater Boy Lost Nose In Brutal Attack By Dog In Wildwood

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Zach an 11-year-old Bridgewater boy has a long road to recovery after a dog brutally attacked him in Wildwood. He suffered severe injuries, including losing his nose.

A GoFundMe is collecting money for the family to help cover hospital bills, surgeon costs, travel expenses, lodging and counseling costs.

"...this little boy will need therapy to help survive the trauma of what happened to him," according to the GoFundMe page.

The family takes annual beach vacations and visited Wildwood this summer. It was the last day of their vacation when Zach and his parents went to the beach in the morning to watch the sunrise before heading home, according to the GoFundMe page.

As they walked down the beach, the family came across the dog and its owner on Aug. 16.

After asking for permission to pet the dog, the child approached the animal. The dog leapt forward and bit him on the face, police said.

"The dog had bitten him so hard, his nose was gone," according to the GoFundMe page.

As family members called 911, the handler fled the area with his dog, according to authorities. Wildwood police put pictures of the handler on their Facebook page and discovered he was John Kalin, of Wildwood.

Kalin, who turned himself in, was charged with violation of law intended to protect public health and safety — a third-degree crime. He also violated several local ordinances related to having his dog on the beach, police said.

The boy was flown by helicopter to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, according to Laurie Hardy, the GoFundMe organizer and a close family friend. The child needs many surgeries and will undergo therapy because of the trauma from the incident.

The GoFundMe has raised $9,665 of its $150,000 goal as of Wednesday morning. To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

— Contributed by Josh Bakan

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