It was supposed to be a quiet night among friends — laughter, drinks, and comfort. But for Kelly Allen, 45, from Swansea, it became a nightmare that changed her life forever.

While visiting a friend’s home, the single mother of two was suddenly attacked by their dachshund — a dog she described as “very friendly.” Without warning, it lunged at her, locking its jaws onto her cheek. “I could feel his teeth inside my face,” Kelly recalled. “He wouldn’t let go.” The small dog tore away a chunk of her flesh — and swallowed it.

Kelly was rushed to the hospital, where surgeons spent five and a half hours repairing her face. They used skin from her neck to rebuild her cheek, leaving her with over 40 stitches and a scar that stretches across her collarbone. But the deepest wounds, she says, aren’t visible.

“I wake up crying because I can still feel his teeth,” she shared. Once outgoing and confident, Kelly now struggles to step outside or face strangers. She relies on her sons, Fletcher, 19, and Cooper, 18, for support. “My self-esteem is gone. I don’t even recognize myself anymore.”

Adding to her pain, Kelly later learned the dog had attacked others before. She’s pursuing legal action but says it could take years. In the meantime, her sister’s GoFundMe has helped raise over £1,000 to cover bills and recovery costs.

“I can’t change what happened,” Kelly said softly. “But I hope no one else ever has to go through this.”