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Ottawa Citizen

Village of Quadeville rallies after mysterious animal attack on eight-year-old girl

Article content The community around the village of Quadeville is rallying after an eight-year-old girl was airlifted to CHEO in the wake of a suspected animal attack on the night of June 23. Article content The girl, who can't be named for legal reasons, remains in stable condition in the ICU at CHEO for an indeterminate amount of time, said Joseph Fiorentino, the pastor at the Quadeville Pentacostal Church, who has been acting as the family's spokesperson. Article content Article content Article content Fiorentino said everyone in the village, about 40 kilometres south of Barry's Bay, knows the girl. Article content Article content 'When she sees you, she always approaches with a huge smile,' he said. 'She has a spunky soul that is full of kindness, love for others, and spiritual curiosity. If you have had a challenging day, this little lady is going to cheer you up and make you smile. However, her smile is always bigger.' Article content Fiorentino refused to speculate on what kind of animal was responsible for the attack. Article content 'The OPP will be responsible for making a statement,' he said. 'It's the big mystery. Everyone wants to know.' Article content The Upper Ottawa Valley detachment of the OPP has asked parents of children in the Quadeville area to keep children indoors or under close supervision. Article content 'We are working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources on this case,' said OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson. Article content Article content 'We have not yet confirmed the cause of the injuries. We will not provide specifics on the injuries, beyond the fact they were life-threatening.' Article content Article content The Ministry of Natural Resources diverted questions back to the OPP. Article content Meanwhile, the community is working to raise funds for the girl and her family to help cover expenses related to her hospitalization, recovery and eventual homecoming. A GoFundMe with a goal of raising $5,500 exceeded that goal within 24 hours and had raised over $12,500 on June 28. A fundraising supper is to be held in the village community centre on July 5. Article content Quadeville is a village of about 300 people, said Fiorentino. It was not unusual for the girl to be out exploring or riding her bicycle, but after she did not return after an evening walk, her family became concerned, he said.