Bridgewater Boy's Nose May Need Years Of Work After Dog Attack

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — It will take months if not years of surgeries and procedures to reconstruct an 11-year-old Bridgewater boy's nose that was bitten off by a dog in Wildwood in August.

The Rasmussen family has released an update on Zach's current condition.

"He is awaiting the next surgery where they will place a balloon under his forehead skin. The skin will be expanded with injections for nine weeks. This will give him the skin they need to start reconstructing his nose. There will be three more surgeries after expanding the skin. When completed there may be more revisions or laser in months or years to come," the family wrote on the GoFundMe site.

Zach will also undergo therapy because of the trauma from the incident. He is currently at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he was flown by helicopter to after the attack on Aug. 16.

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

"Our family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, love and support. It makes a difference to see all the people in the world with such kind and compassionate hearts. Our son is in great spirits and greatly appreciates all the love he has received," the family said.

• See Related: Bridgewater Boy Lost Nose In Brutal Attack By Dog In Wildwood

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 GoFundMe has raised roughly $18,000 of its $150,000 goal as of Thursday morning. To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

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