Brentwood Park, Benoni, mom of three, Linda Venter (37), is awake and lucid after being in an induced coma for the past six days, following a brutal attack by the family’s dog.

Venter was airlifted to the Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton on August 29, after suffering severe injuries to her face, arm, abdomen and leg when the family’s dog, Zeus, viciously attacked her son, Brayden (11), and then turned on her.

A relieved Philip Stoneman, chaplain for Trauma Support SA and Venter’s brother-in-law, says Venter regained consciousness yesterday, and was weaned off a ventilator just after 14:00, following the first of several reconstructive surgeries.

Her right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder.

“According to the doctors, Venter’s shoulder is intact, with a six- to eight-centimetre piece of the upper arm still attached. This is good news and will greatly assist throughout the rehabilitation process, as well as with prosthetics,” says Stoneman.

He adds that although still receiving medication to manage the pain, Venter is in good spirits.

“The nursing staff even allowed her to speak to Brayden, who is still in Netcare Linmed’s paediatric ward. Mom and son spoke happily, with Brayden telling her that they will get through the ordeal stronger than ever.”

Stoneman says Venter can recall some details about the attack, including using her right arm to shield her throat from Zeus’ bites.

“As a trauma support counsellor, I believe this is a very good sign. It means that her subconscious has not suppressed the memories. With this in mind, counselling can now begin, which will in turn assist with the physical and emotional healing process,” says Stoneman, adding that the family is already undergoing counselling.

Brayden has been given the all-clear by doctors, and the avid rugby player from Laerskool Rynfield will soon be discharged.

“We are overjoyed with the news that he will return home soon. As a family, we have supported [Venter’s husband] Marius, who has been bouncing between hospitals to be at his wife and son’s bedsides, while still tending to the couple’s other two sons, Brendan (14) and Brian (4).

“We hope with the positive turn of events, he will be able to get some well-deserved rest, knowing that both are on the road to recovery.”