In December 2021, Jacqueline Durand, a 22-year-old college student from Texas, experienced a life-altering event when she was viciously attacked by two rescue dogs she was hired to dog-sit. The incident occurred just a day before her 22nd birthday and resulted in catastrophic injuries that required extensive medical intervention and a long road to recovery.
Jacqueline had been an experienced dog-sitter with seven years of experience and had previously met the dogs—Bender, a boxer-pit bull mix, and Lucy, a German Shepherd mix—during a scheduled meet-and-greet. The owners, Justin and Ashley Bishop, assured her that the dogs would be secured in their crates upon her arrival. However, on the day of the appointment, they informed her via text that the dogs were loose in the house. Upon entering the home, Jacqueline was immediately attacked.
The dogs dragged her inside and inflicted over 800 bites, tearing off her ears, nose, lips, and most of her face below the eyes. She lost approximately 30% of her blood and was left with life-threatening injuries. An alarm triggered by the open front door alerted authorities, but it took first responders 37 minutes to enter the home due to the dogs’ aggressive behavior.
Jacqueline was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts from her forehead and buttocks to reconstruct her face. She spent 60 days in the hospital and has since undergone a total of 28 reconstructive surgeries. Her recovery has been arduous, involving intense physical therapy and gradual progress in regaining facial functions.
Despite the trauma, Jacqueline has shown remarkable resilience. She has shared her journey publicly to raise awareness about the responsibilities of dog ownership and the importance of proper communication with pet sitters. “I didn’t ask for this, so I think that it’s time to show who I am now, and I can’t be scared of it,” she stated in an interview with CBS News. Her story has inspired many, with people describing her progress as “astonishing.”
Jacqueline’s boyfriend, Nathan, has been a steadfast source of support throughout her recovery. Initially uncertain about how he would react to her changed appearance, Jacqueline was reassured by his unwavering commitment. “I asked him straight up, ‘Do you still want to be with me? I’ve changed forever,’ and he said, ‘I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,'” she recounted. Their relationship has been a pillar of strength for her during this challenging time.
The Bishops, owners of the dogs, have expressed their devastation over the incident but have not contacted Jacqueline directly or compensated her for the dog-sitting job. A sign on their front door reading “Crazy Dogs. Please Don’t Knock or Ring the Bell” suggests they were aware of their pets’ aggressive tendencies. Jacqueline has filed a lawsuit against them for negligence, alleging they failed to control, secure, and train the animals properly.
Four years after the attack, Jacqueline continues to undergo surgeries and therapy but remains optimistic about her future. She aspires to work with dogs again, possibly as a trainer, although certain breeds still trigger traumatic memories. Her journey is a testament to human resilience and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
Jacqueline’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the importance of ensuring the safety of others when entrusting them with animal care. Her courage and openness have not only aided her healing process but have also provided inspiration and awareness to many.
