Vicious dog attack in Coppell, TX has life-changing effect on young woman

22-year-old Jacqueline Durand is known for her love of dogs and is a seasoned dog-sitter. After one terrible night, her life will never be the same.

Jacqueline started a new dog-sitting job on Dec. 23 when things took a terrifying turn. As she entered the home of Justin and Ashley Bishop, she was rushed by their two dogs and dragged through the house. The two dogs then tore at Jacqueline, delivering more than 800 bites to her face, arms, legs, and body.

“She opened the door and immediately was taken down, dragged throughout the home, clothes ripped off,” Jacqueline’s father John Durand said. “Her ears, nose, upper lip, and face from cheekbone to cheekbone were pulled off of her face.”

It was by sheer luck that help arrived on scene. As Jacqueline was dragged by the dogs, she left the front door open which triggered a security alarm. After emergency response arrived, it took 37 minutes for them to have access to Jacqueline as she laid in the living room unable to move. During the attack, she lost 30% of the blood in her body.

Body cam footage shows the dogs lunging at officials as they attempt to enter the home. When asked why it took 37 minutes to get to Jacqueline, police stated that they did not immediately enter the home because they didn’t know how bad her injuries were.

After finally getting to Jacqueline, emergency response rushed her to Medical City Plano. There she spent seven hours in emergency surgery.

“I was just glad to see her alive,” Jacqueline’s mother Shirley Durand said. “Her whole face was totally bandaged. They had her in an induced coma for over a week.”

After surgery, Jacqueline spent eight weeks in the hospital and doctors began the process of rebuilding her face. She is alive and back home but is still facing countless surgeries and physical therapy.

“When I felt the skin hanging from my face… I thought I was going to die,” Jacqueline said. “I feel like – 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.”

A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Jacqueline against the Bishops alleging she was left “permanently and catastrophically” disfigured. This lawsuit seeks payment for medical expenses as well as loss of earnings in the past and future. Jacqueline says she wants dog owners to know their animals and to be able to communicate their traits and behaviors to pet-sitters.

“She remembers everything about the attack, and she has been forever changed and disfigured by the results of this vicious mauling,” John Durand said.

Dog Bite Statistics

While Jacqueline’s story is heart wrenching, it is a story all too common. According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control, around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year and nearly 1 in 5 people who are bitten by a dog require medical attention. These medical bills can add up quickly and damages may be irreversible. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, contact us today for a free consultation.