LIMPOPO – After surviving a brutal attack by two bull terriers in July last year, Wilma Swanepoel, the owner of Must Love Dogs in Hoedspruit, is home and making a strong recovery.

“I am doing very good with my recovery,” Wilma told the Herald. “I have also started grooming again. Some days are tough, other days are better, but I’m getting there.”

She thanked the Hoedspruit community for their support and compassion during her healing process.

“I also thank my children who helped with everything. Without you, I could not do it. Thank you,” she said.

Read more: Hoedspruit kennel owner heads home after near-fatal dog attack 

Wilma spent 65 days in Mediclinic Nelspruit, where she underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafts to repair the severe injuries she sustained.

She also received VAC wound therapy to aid in the healing process. Wilma was discharged in October to continue her recovery and undergo physical therapy.

At the time of the attack, she had been tending to the dogs personally every day. She was alone in the kennels with two of her grandchildren when the incident happened, suffering serious injuries to her legs and arms and losing a significant amount of blood.

To assist with additional medical expenses and keep her dog parlour running, a Hoedspruit resident launched a Back-a-Buddy account.