Caroline is seeing a plastic surgeon, ophthalmologist and dentist on a regular basis, Michelle Domboski said
By John Tredrea
Toddler Caroline Domboski was the epitome of childhood joy and enthusiasm, merrily skipping around Titusville’s Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad station house with a positive energy and spirit that seemed limitless.
"Hi!" she suddenly cried with gusto through a smile. "I’ve got a cupcake!"
It was true. Two-year-old Caroline had picked up the treat from a box of cupcakes at Union Tuesday night, during a visit to the station with her parents, Paul and Michelle Domboski. The family lives on Fabrow Drive in western Hopewell Township.
"She’s doing great," Michelle Domboski said admiringly of her daughter. "And the community has been great. We are very, very thankful for that. The cards and visits we have received, some from people we didn’t even know, have been amazing."
"They really have," Paul Domboski said. "It’s meant a lot to us. We’ll never forget it."
Caroline, who first was taken to the Trauma Center at Capital Health System’s Fuld Campus and later transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was hospitalized for nine days, four of them in intensive care, after being attacked Jan. 28 by her family’s 50-pound dog, Bailey, a pit bull mix. The dog was euthanized two days after the attack, which township police said occurred without provocation.
"Caroline will need more plastic surgery," her mother said. The toddler is seeing a plastic surgeon, ophthalmologist and dentist on a regular basis.
A fundraiser to help defray Caroline’s medical expenses was held Sunday at Slocum’s Bowling Alley, in Ewing. The event was organized by family friend Denise Carney of Ewing. "Denise has been wonderful," Michelle said. "Everything on Sunday was wonderful."
Janet Tunnicliffe, one of the Union Rescue Squad members who responded to the Domboski residence the day of the attack, asked residents "to watch for an announcement of a fundraiser for Caroline at Union soon."
"We thank Union so much," Caroline’s mother said. "Without them and the other officers and rescue workers who came to our house that day, Caroline wouldn’t be alive."

