Atlanta

Girl who survived dog attack celebrated by emergency crews

By Wendy Corona, WSB-TV
By Wendy Corona, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Syrai Sanders is all smiles Friday as city leaders and emergency crews celebrate her just months after a devastating dog attack.

That attack in January left the 5-year-old seriously injured and killed her friend, Logan Braatz.

The little girl who survived a vicious dog attack in January was the center of attention at a party just for her. It was a homecoming for the survivor hosted by community leaders.

Syrai Sanders’s mother, Jeresha Williams said her little girl knows she made it. “Like she understands the extent of everything that happened.”

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Gauze wrapped around her head is the reminder of the pit bull attack she and others suffered while walking to the school bus stop on Gideons Drive in Southwest Atlanta in January.

Her friend, Logan Braatz died from the attack. Syrai’s mother said her daughter still asks, “Momma, how come I made it and Logan didn’t? And it was kind of hard for me to try to explain.”

Two children were attacked by a pit bull in Atlanta. One boy died and a girl survived the attack.

Syrai’s family said prayers have delivered them this far. Grandmother Sabrina Williams said she asks those who pray for Syrai, “I always tell them when you’re praying for her also pray for Logan and his family as well because he’s in God’s hands.”

The family said doctors thought her hospital stay would be a year, but Syrai kept proving them wrong. She was back home in early March.

At first she was too nervous to talk to Channel 2's Wendy Corona, until she offered her to the hold the microphone. Syrai told Corona she was feeling good and happy to be back home.

The celebration at the Rosel Fann Recreation Center in Southeast Atlanta was an opportunity for Syrai’s wide circle of support to come together.

Atlanta Police Department Chief Erika Shields said the day of the attack, Jan. 17 was hard on everyone. Shields said, to see her now, “just helps alleviate some of the pain from the whole incident.”

Syrai’s father, Willie Sanders was overwhelmed with the support and shared his view on his brave 5-year-old. “I feel like she’s so inspiring to a lot of people.”

Syrai will turn 6-years-old on May 22, the same day she will take part in her kindergarten graduation ceremony.

Cox Media Group

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