Overview

• Four-year-old Carina underwent emergency reconstruction to her skull, ear, face, lip, chin and nose, with additional surgery expected in six months.
• Mother Alexis Higham was bitten while lifting her daughter to safety, receiving eight stitches and wrist butterfly closures.
• Higham says the dog's owner did not assist during the attack, and she freed her arm only after calmly asking the dog if it wanted a treat.
• Mentor police and the Lake County Dog Warden are investigating potential charges, the dog is under mandatory quarantine, and Higham says she will press charges.
• The family reports that Carina struggles to open her mouth and swallow and is having nightmares, and a GoFundMe is helping with recovery costs.