Louie's Law

The neighborhood did feel safe until Feb. 15. That afternoon, the small cul-de-sac where the neighborhood children played became the site of a vicious dog attack that injured three of her children and shattered the family’s sense of security.

The attack began when a shepherd-malinois mix escaped from the yard of a nearby home and attacked Gardner’s daughter, Adebisi Agunbiade, who was 6 at the time. Adebisi was playing outside the home of a family friend when the attack began.

Adebisi had the most severe injuries. She was taken to McLane Children’s Hospital Scott & White in Temple and underwent surgery that night. Her left arm is scarred.

But mental scars are far more difficult to cope with, Gardner said.

Tania Glenn, a psychologist who specializes in PTSD, said the disorder can be especially difficult for young children and teens.

“Kids don’t have the insight and understanding of the world…