A Dog Bit Off My Nose

Mariette’s nightmare began when a friend’s pet attacked her four years ago at a braai. She had to endure nine unsuccessful surgeries and is now suing the dog’s owner

- Jody-Lynn Taylor

For many people, the hard lockdown was nothing short of an ordeal – but for Mariette Odendaal, it was a blessing in disguise.

It meant she rarely needed to leave the sanctuary of her home, that she could hole up with her family and take some time out from the real world – a world of stares and whispers, cruel comments, pointing and sniggering.

It was also a break from a world full of dogs and, although Mariette used to love the animals, she finds it difficult to trust them now. And it’s little wonder when you hear her story. Four years ago, a Staffordshire terrier ripped offa chunk of her nose at a braai, triggering a nightmare that would turn her into a virtual recluse and change her and her family’s lives forever.

Mariette is now suing the animal’s owner in the high court in Middelburg for R600 000, claiming medical expenses and severe emotional distress.

The 49-year-old mom-of-two has had nine operations to rebuild her nose and will soon go under the knife again.

It’s been hell, she tells us from her home in Capital Park, Pretoria, where she’s speaking out about her experience for the first time. “After it happened, it took three weeks before I could face myself,” she says.

“It was such a shock when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time. I looked horrible. After the stitches were removed I just wasn’t comfortable appearing in public.”

She hid herself whenever she had to go out, concealing her damaged face with bandages and plasters.