2001 Omaha Pit Bull Attack Victim "Totally Traumatized"

7 Years and Still a Long Road Ahead
Omaha, NE - On Staturday, the adoptive mother of an 8-year-old Omaha boy whose genitalia were torn off in a 2001 pit bull attack said she thinks the dogs are dangerous and should be banned from the city. "We just don't know what makes those dogs tick." She added that, "all dogs need love, but for some reason, that breed just can't get it right."

Her adopted son, Bodi, was attacked when he was 18-months old. Back then he was named Shane. He was sleeping when the pit bull attacked him. The dog, Gator, belonged to his mother's boyfriend. It had been abused. Both the mother and the boyfriend were sentenced to time in jail for the attack, and the boy was placed in a foster home before she adopted him.

She says that Bodi today is a sweet-natured kid who dearly loves his pet golden retriever, Boo. He sometimes fears other dogs, though. She said the attack's psychological aftermath, in part, forced him to repeat kindergarten. "He was totally traumatized," she said. "It's affected him emotionally. We had to keep him back because his speech wasn't there."

Bodi, who will start second grade this fall, has a long road ahead of him. After he turns 12 or so, Bodi will have to begin receiving testosterone shots, a regimen that will continue for the rest of his life. He also faces many reconstructive surgeries, and he won't be able to father children. She worries about mean-spirited school kids, but believes he will overcome any challenge.

"Bodi bounces back with smiles, and he's always for the underdog. That's what makes him special."

Related articles:
Coverage of the Omaha Pit Bull Attack - DogsBite.org

Labels: boyfriend's pit bull, omaha