She's had eight surgeries in less than two months and still needs more. But 5-year-old Syrai Sanders is back home, where she's still recovering from a vicious dog attack that killed her friend.

“She’s doing awesome,” Sabrina Williams, the girl’s grandmother, said Wednesday afternoon. “She’s got her same spirit.”

»  RELATED: Shaq surprises young dog attack victim, furnishes family home

On Jan. 17, Syrai and other children were walking to their southwest Atlanta school bus stop when they were approached by dogs. Adults helped some children run to safety, but Syrai and a 6-year-old friend, Logan Braatz, couldn’t get away.

"When they saw the dogs, they were told to run," Williams said a day after the attack. "I'm thinking that's what set the dogs off."

Logan Braatz, left, was killed and Syrai Sanders was seriously injured when the two were attacked by dogs in January. (Family photos)
icon to expand image

Syrai was critically injured when the dogs attacked her head and face. But Logan died from his injuries, despite neighbors' attempts to help him. The dogs' owner was arrested and charged the same day.

During her hospital stay, Syrai’s family focused on her recovery, Williams said. But before the girl was allowed to leave the hospital, her family told her Logan had died.

“She misses him, playing with him and talking to him,” Williams said.

It’s not yet known when Syrai may be able to return to school. Her grandmother said the family is grateful for the support and prayers from the community.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Darius Robinson was relieved of coaching duties after his arrest, the Greene County School District said. (Courtesy of Greene County Schools)

Credit: Greene County schools

Featured

Waymo autonomous vehicles operate across 65 square miles inside I-285 and have been involved in six incidents with Atlanta Public School buses since May. Waymo issued a recall because of their cars briefly stopping or slowing down before continuing forward while a bus was stopped and flashing its lights. (Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Public Schools