NBA legend Shaq O'Neal surprises dog attack survivor, five, and furnishes her home just in time for her release from hospital, two months after brutal mauling that killed her friend

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NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has surprised the family of 5-year-old Syrai Sanders who survived a horrific dog attack in January with new furniture.

Sanders returned home this week after spending two months in the hospital being treated for severe injuries that the child sustained in the January 17 attack in Atlanta.

The schoolgirl and her six-year-old friend Logan Braatz were walking to a bus stop when they were attacked and mauled by two pit bulls. Braatz died from his injuries.

Slam-dunk surprise: Shaquille O'Neal (left) has bought new furniture for dog mauling survivor Syrai Sanders (right) and her family after the 5-year-old was released from the hospital 

The 5-year-old has undergone eight surgeries in the two months since the dog attack

O'Neal met Sanders and her family at Rooms to Go, an Atlanta furniture store, and picked up the tab for new items

The dogs' owner has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.

O'Neal met Sanders and her family at Rooms to Go, an Atlanta furniture store, and picked up the tab for new items.

Sanders' parents tell the station WAGA that the basketball Hall of Famer and current TNT analyst has been involved with the family since the attack. 

Talking to the station CBS46 from her home on Gideon Street in Atlanta, a smiling Syrai, with her head still bandaged up, said that she enjoyed 'all the TV' at the hospital.

On a more somber note, the young survivor recounted the devastating attack that killed her friend, recalling how at one point she could not open her eyes 'because the dogs bit me all around and blood started coming out.' 

Syrai's grandmother told Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that she is now recovering at home after undergoing eight surgeries.

All smiles: Syrai is pictured with her head bandaged up and a breathing tube in her nose following her discharge from the hospital. On the right, the child displays her shaved head

Sitting pretty: Syrai is pictured being interviewed at home about her recovery alongside her father, Willie

'She's doing awesome,' said Sabrina Williams. 'She's got her same spirit.'

Logan Braatz and his classmate, Sanders, were jumped by three pit bulls who attacked them on their way to school.

Braatz was mauled to death as he walked to F.L. Stanton Elementary School in southwest Atlanta.

Sanders was also attacked and taken to hospital, but she survived.

Tragic attack: Logan Braatz, 6 (left), died and Sanders, 5 (right), suffered serious injuries after three pit bulls attacked them in Atlanta  

Culprit: Police officers shot one of the animals and had two others removed. One of the dogs is seen sitting outside a home near the scene 

Several school students who were with them at the time tried to pull the animals off the pair. 

One of the dogs was shot by officers and the other two were taken away by animal control officers.

The owner of the pit bulls, Cameron Tucker, was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. 

Neighbor Shamonte Clayton says he awoke to the sound of screams. He ran outside, saw one pit bull standing over Syrai and eventually chased the dog away with his gun.

He then noticed Braatz's body lying on a patch of grass and picked him up as his mother sobbed nearby.

Another neighbor, Angie Smith, described the moment she saw little Syrai get mauled.

A pit bull is pictured in a cage being taken away from the scene by animal control officers 

Owner charged: The owner of the pit bulls, Cameron Tucker (pictured above), was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct

The attack took place in the area of Cerro Street as the children were walking to elementary school

'The dog just ripped into her,' she recounted. 'I ran to the baby and when I looked down at her I knew there was nothing that I could do,' she told WSB-TV. 

Logan was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Syrai was transported to the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, where she was listed in stable condition.

Police say three other children witnessed the grisly dog attack and valiantly tried to help their friends who were being mauled by pulling the pit bulls off of them. 

A crisis team was dispatched to Stanton to provide grief counseling for students and staff. 

Williams said that Sanders will likely need more surgeries.

She said that the family waited until just before she left the hospital to tell her that her friend, Logan, had died.

'She misses him, playing with him and talking to him,' Williams said. 

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Syrai's grandmother, Bri Williams, asking for donations to help pay for her mounting medical expenses. As of Friday morning, the fundraiser has drawn just over $2,500.