An influencer has revealed how she almost lost her nose after suffering a vicious dog attack.
Ju Isen, who has 1.8m Instagram followers, was recently involved in an incident while at a party.
She tried to pet an Akita Inu that belonged to one of the other guests when it “lunged” at her.
The 25-year-old, who has a dog named Fransisco, who was not at the party, was left in shock.
After bacteria took hold, she was forced to undergo surgery.
“After trying to pet the dog, it suddenly lunged at me and bit my face,” she told Need To Know.
“I was in shock and feared I could have lost part of my face during the attack.
“In addition to the nose injury, I had to undergo surgery to remove bacteria introduced by the bite.
“I needed general anaesthesia and was hospitalised for antibiotics.
“Thankfully, my dog Francisco was not involved in the incident and wasn’t present — so my relationship with him remains unaffected.”
In a bid to help herself get over the trauma, the influencer has also recently purchased a ‘reborn’ dog toy.
She said: “I had always wanted a second dog.
“After the attack, I became really apprehensive.
“The idea of getting a [reborn] dog came to me when I passed a store window displaying baby reborn dolls.
“I thought, why not [get] a dog version?
“It was a way to feel more love around without taking risks.”
Ju bought the lifelike pup for £170 but has yet to share his name.
It has quickly become a form of emotional support for not only her but Francisco, too.
She said: “He [my dog toy] has become a part of my daily life, serving as an emotional companion alongside Francisco.
“They stay close together and what’s funny is that Francisco seems to accept it.
“When I hold the toy, Francisco lies down next to it, calmly.
“As if it were just part of our routine.
“He doesn’t try to play with it or act aggressively.
“But the new pup has helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere at home.
“Especially when I am out — it gives Francisco a sense of company and stability.”
Ju, who doesn’t want children, says her dogs are a way to express the care and affection she has to give, without the additional responsibility.
The influencer, who hails from Brazil, added: “I don’t want a baby, I never have.
“But I like the idea of having something to care for and connect with – the reborn [dog] represents that for me.
“It’s a personal choice and I don’t care what people think
“Once, I was in my building lift when a neighbour saw my pram and said ‘What a beautiful baby.”
“I laughed and explained it was actually a toy dog.
“It happens often and most people are surprised by how lifelike it looks.
“Everyone finds their own way.
“This is mine.”
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