The eight-year-old dog attack survivor was showered with praise by police on Monday, taking her and her best friend on rides in helicopters, police boats, all terrain vehicles and a massive rescue truck.

Tahlia and her buddy, Layne Kidd, were also presented with commendation awards at a surprise ceremony at their school hosted by Lake Macquarie local area commander Superintendent Brett Greentree for their “bravery, determination and perseverance” after Tahlia lost her hand at Valentine last August.

“It is just our way of recognising how brave she has been for the last 12 months,’’ Superintendent Greentree said.

“Police are a part of the community and there are jobs which do affect us, so it is really nice for us to contribute, as community members, a little bit of fun to a brave little girl, her family and her schoolmates.

“We are just as much in awe of her as everyone else.’’