A five-year-old boy is facing daily challenges not only from the scars left by a severe dog attack but also from the reactions of strangers, his mother has revealed.

Ryder Wells, from Granite Falls, North Carolina, was only 21 months old when two large dogs attacked him at a family friend’s home. The incident left him with devastating injuries, including the loss of his right cheek, most of his lip, and part of his eyelid. He also suffered broken teeth, a fractured arm, and damage to his lung.

Since then, Ryder has undergone more than 50 reconstructive surgeries in an effort to rebuild his face. His mother, Brittany, a teaching assistant, said the experience has been extremely difficult for both Ryder and the family, especially when facing the public.

“In the beginning, it was horrible because even adults would stare,” she explained. “For the first year, he had no face on one side because two skin grafts didn’t work. At the park, a child once pointed and screamed at him before running away. Out shopping, someone shouted ‘ew’ at him. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking because after everything he’s been through, people aren’t always kind. But Ryder is such a fighter—he never lets it stop him.”

Brittany recalled the terrifying day in 2015 when the attack happened. “We were eating breakfast, and Ryder was going back and forth between his toys and the table. Then suddenly he was gone. When I looked outside, he was lying face down in the garden. His pyjamas were torn away, and when we rolled him over, his face was just gone.”

Ryder was airlifted to hospital, where surgeons worked for 14 hours to save his life. Doctors warned the family to prepare for the worst, but against all odds, Ryder survived. He has since learned to eat and drink again and has been able to attend pre-school and kindergarten.

“The doctors told us they would try their best, but we weren’t sure he would make it,” Brittany said. “They’ve called him a miracle because his injuries were so severe and he was so small at the time. The fact that he’s here today is incredible.”

Now, as Ryder prepares to begin school this September, Brittany is determined to raise awareness about the impact of unkind reactions and bullying. “He wears glasses and a cap, and sometimes he’ll hang his head to hide his face,” she explained. “I try to handle situations calmly so that he doesn’t feel the full weight of it. What I want most is for people to see past the scars and recognize the amazing little boy that he is.”

Ryder’s journey has been marked by strength and determination. Despite the challenges, he continues to inspire those around him with his resilience and spirit. His mother hopes that by sharing his story, others will learn the importance of compassion and acceptance.