18 July 2008
Statement From Dog Bite Victim
The 13-year-old boy attacked by four dogs at Waitoa on Monday has today thanked the three women who came to his aid.
The boy, who prefers to be unnamed, said that without them his injuries could have been worse.
The teenager got more than 100 bites and has more than 300 stitches.
Today he walked for the first time and is feeling more comfortable than he has since the attack. He issued the following statement:
"I'd like to thank the media for respecting my privacy.
"I just want to get better and go back to school so I can see all my friends again.
"I'd like to thank Mrs Robinson and the other two women who came to help me when the dogs attacked me.
"I'd also like to thank the St John ambulance people, everyone at Waikato Hospital including the doctors, nurses and physios.
"My family have been wonderful. Mum has not left my side and I'm grateful she's been here and for the support from the rest of my family.
"I've got a little foxy dog at home so I'm going to be fine with dogs in the future.
"I'm not scared of dogs, just pitbulls, other dogs are fine.
"I don't want to be on television or in the newspaper. I want to get on with my life."
ENDS

Commonwealth Foundation: Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 Regional Winners Announced
Doc Edge Festival: World Press Photo And Doc Edge Comes To Auckland In Landmark Exhibition Merger
Whakarongorau Aotearoa: International Nurses Day - Healthline Nurses Help 800 New Zealanders A Day
NZ Psychological Society: Remembering The Past Guides Our Future
New Zealand Olympic Committee: Motherhood In Focus For Wāhine Toa Graduates Ahead Of Mother's Day
Early Childhood New Zealand: Budget 2026 Must Protect The Future Of Quality Early Childhood Education