Girl attacked by neighbor's dog recovering at hospital

Sani Julien, 3, using walker after Friday night attack in Florida City

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 3-year-old girl who was attacked by a dog Friday night is recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit at Kendall Regional Medical Center.

The parents of Sani Julien told Local 10 News that their daughter is a fighter who is steadily improving since the attack, taking her first steps with the help of a walker.

Sani underwent emergency surgery Friday night and received 25 staples on her back after she was bitten multiple times by a neighbor's dog.

"She's trying to get accustomed to walking and using both her hands because she (is) only (using) one right now," Rachel Clark said about her daughter. 

The attack happened while Sani was walking with her father near Northwest 12th Avenue and Northwest Eighth Place in Florida City. Police said a 2-year-old English mastiff mix named Zeus escaped from a neighbor's fenced-in yard before attacking Sani.

"My baby ain't nothing but 30 pounds, so just imagine that," Clark said.

Clark said her daughter is staying strong. 

"She (is) real strong," she said. "My baby (is) so strong." 

Charles Jones surrendered his dog. Miami-Dade County Animal Services said Zeus showed signs of aggression and was euthanized Saturday.

Jones received three civil citations, including failure to vaccinate an animal against rabies.

Sani's parents said they don't know when she'll be released from the hospital.


About the Authors:

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.