wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |Young victim of pit bull attack speak out months later

LEXINGTON, SC (WIS) - The family of a Lexington County girl mauled by a pit bull is speaking about the attack for the first time, and so is the officer who saved her life.

The family says the little girl was in her neighbor's yard when the owner's pit bull jumped on her earlier this year.

Kenzie Griffin is shy, and at first glance she looks like a typical 10-year-old, until you see her arm. The scars show she is a survivor. "She's lost eight months of her life because of a dog," said Kenzie's mother, Stephanie Griffin.

A neighbor's pit bull attacked Kenzie in January, and Stephanie says their lives haven't been the same since. She says the numerous surgeries and therapy twice a week have been an emotional roller coaster. "In the beginning, we were just horrified and scared," said Stephanie. "And then you're grateful she's alive, but then when you're left with the reality of her life, you're angry."

Kenzie, on the other hand, is getting by. "Trying to do things with one hand," said Kenzie, who is learning how to do everything with her left hand.

The attack happened at a home off Bethlehem Road in Batesburg-Leesville. Kenzie says she was checking to see if her neighbor was home when their pit bull pounced on her. Another neighbor called 911.

Deputy Joe Auckerman saved Kenzie's life. "I have two small children, both are girls and they both go to school with Kenzie," said Ceriman. "I jumped the fence and took action. I just kind of knelt down and got to where I was on the same playing field with her and the dog. I took a head shot to knock it off her."

This summer, Auckerman was named the American legion's state officer of the year for his heroic efforts. "I don't feel that I'm a hero," he protested. "I would hope anybody would do the same thing."

"I'm just grateful he was there," said Kenzie's father.

"Very thankful, because without him, without his actions, she might be dead," said Stephanie.

The Griffins say they are trying to reach a settlement with the dog's owner. The family is still dealing with medical bills.

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