8 surgeries later, girl who survived dog attack is back home

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.”

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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) (For the AJC)

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.