A famed skateboarder was mauled in a dog attack, noticeably changing her appearance. However, she’s used that as an opportunity to rise and inspire others, undergoing an incredible transformation. Although her story is unfortunate, some good has come of it as she now uses her social media platforms to encourage others and give them a space to unload their woes.

Mauled in a Dog Attack

Purportedly, in November 2020, Brooklinn Khoury’s cousin had a dog that “suddenly attacked her.” As a result, Brooklinn suffered severe physical trauma to her upper lip. She has since been very candid about the dog attack, “When I was attacked, it was so hard to see what the future held for me.” She explained in a social media post. “The first time seeing my face after the surgery was scary. But I was like, ’Okay, time to love this new version of myself for now.’”

7 Post-Dog-Attack Surgeries

It was a long road to recovery after the dog attack. “Basically, my doctor is recreating the top lip in this surgery — creating a Cupid’s bow and central columns. So kind of making my lip look more aesthetic,” Khoury told PEOPLE in February 2023. “My doctor’s very cautious and wants to do everything perfectly.” She was well on her way to recovery by then, having had 7 reconstructive surgeries, and gearing up for the final procedures.

Loving Herself is Key

Incredibly, Brook was ridiculed on social media but was undeterred, choosing to use her voice to make a difference. She practices, and preaches self-love. “I have always been a confident person, and I’ve never really cared about what I look like. I genuinely love myself and the way that I look, but society doesn’t always think the same as me,” she said. “Yeah, the hardest part has been people’s negative responses. But what I’m posting is for somebody else that might be experiencing something like this so they have someone to relate to. I post more for the hopes that if anyone else is going through it, they can find comfort in me.”

Happily Thriving

Despite the physical complications she’s undergone and numerous surgeries, she leads an active life, still skateboarding and hanging out with her friends. Moreover, she and Chloe Lukasiak, who appeared on Dance Moms as a young girl, have been together for over a year. “This year, because of you, has been, by far, the greatest year of my life.” Brook wrote in celebration of their first anniversary.

Encouraging and Inspiring Others

Not only has Brook created a happy and fulfilling life after the dog attack, she’s used the experience as an opportunity to make the world a brighter place. She’s inspiring people everywhere to rise from their hardships, overcome them, and continue to love life and thrive in happiness and adventure.

Preventing a Dog Attack

While it’s not true in all cases, most of the time a dog attack can be prevented. First and foremost, by remaining calm. However, that doesn’t always work, as Brook learned.

Here are some ways to prevent a dog attack, according to experts:

Stand upright
Be still
Don’t turn your back
Don’t run
Create a distraction. (For example, you or someone around can throw something off to the side like a purse, cell phone, or food, away from you so the dog doesn’t come closer.)
Throw food away from your body and don’t encourage the dog to come near you as it may likely result in another dog attack or act of aggression.
Tell the dog to sit. (While this may not always work, most dogs recognize the command and will likely react.)
Take slow deep breaths. It’s not just a grounding technique for humans, it’s also effective at calming dogs, as they pick up on body language.
Respect the dog’s cues and body language.
Speak calmly to their owners.

Dog-Attack Prevention Starts Early

According to professional dog trainer Meg Marrs, owners can do a few things to prevent a dog attack. Dogs, like people, need socialization and stimulation. So, one great way to avoid a dog attack is to train and socialize dogs as much as possible, particularly in the first two years. Consistency is equally as important as training.

“Pet, Pat, Pause Technique”

Marrs shares a useful technique for approaching a new dog. “Start out patting your leg to invite the dog to approach. If they approach, proceed to pet them. After a few seconds, pause and wait for their response – if the dog indicates they want the petting to proceed, go for it! If they move away, or do nothing, we can take that as a “no.” She said of the “Pet, Pat, Pause technique.” Following up, Marrs explained that “consent” for a dog is necessary to prevent a dog attack. Listen to a dog’s cues if they’re showing or telling you to come closer or stay away.

Sadly, in some cases, a dog attack isn’t preventable. As such, be sure to protect your vital organs as their teeth are sharp enough to cause severe internal bleeding. Fortunately, a spontaneous dog attack, like Brook’s, doesn’t happen often. However, in her case, she’s taken the experience and become an inspiration to others.