For Amanda Salen, working for the U.S. Postal Service wasn’t always part of the plan. But it’s quickly become more than just a job — it’s a calling that’s taken her from delivery routes to clerical roles, through career changes, and even into harm’s way.
Salen, a Part-Time Flexible (PTF) Clerk with the Pine Grove Post Office, often travels to nearby towns to help staff other locations, like the Hamburg Post Office, where she recently reflected on her career and the unexpected experience that tested her resolve.
Originally trained as a certified nursing assistant, Salen spent 13 years in healthcare before pivoting careers. “I was sitting on my front porch and saw the mail carrier go by,” she said. “And I just knew — that’s what I wanted to do.”
She began her postal career in January 2021 as a city carrier and quickly grew to love the work. “If you can get through the first three to six months, you’re golden,” she said with a smile. “It’s demanding — physically and mentally — but incredibly rewarding.”
A Day That Changed Everything
That sense of fulfillment was tested on October 11, 2024, when Salen was attacked by a dog while delivering mail.
It started as a typical day. Her mailbag was overfilled with political flyers — common during election season — as she walked her route and stepped up to deliver mail inside a foyer shared by two apartments. One of the interior doors was slightly ajar, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
“I came off the porch, and I heard trotting behind me,” she said. “I turned and saw the dog. I said, ‘Hey, boy’ — I’m a dog lover, I have two pit bulls myself. But then I got the vibe. He wasn’t going away.”
What followed was a blur. “He lunged for me. I tried to guard myself with my bag, but I had to put my leg down, and that’s when he bit me,” she said. “I didn’t panic, but it was intense. I couldn’t even reach for my dog spray.”
Salen was eventually rescued by a woman passing by who tackled the dog, and another person nearby with medical training applied a tourniquet until paramedics arrived. The injury was serious, leaving multiple deep wounds on her leg that required more than 20 stitches and weeks of recovery.
Coming Back
Despite the trauma, Salen was determined to return to work.
“I still love going out on the route,” she said. “It didn’t stop me — it actually made me want to come back. I didn’t want that to be the end of my story here.”
She now works primarily inside the post office, helping as a clerk, but still takes on delivery routes when needed.
Her outlook remains grounded, and she credits her fellow postal workers and supervisors for their support. “They were there for me the whole time,” she said.
A Broader Conversation About Safety
The attack on Salen highlights a growing concern across the country. According to the Postal Service, dog attacks on carriers are on the rise, with some of the highest numbers in recent years. As part of National Dog Bite Awareness initiatives, post offices across the country are reminding the public to take precautions — especially during summer months when children are home and pets may be more active.
“Informed Delivery is a great tool,” Salen said, referencing the USPS’s free daily email service that previews incoming mail. “It lets you know when something’s coming so you don’t accidentally let your dog out while a carrier’s on the way back with a package.”
She also emphasized the importance of securing gates, supervising children, and simply staying aware. “Even friendly dogs can be unpredictable. That dog that bit me had never shown signs before.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Salen remains committed to her future with the Postal Service and hopes to continue advancing her career. “I’d still go out and carry any day,” she said. “It’s been my favorite part of the job.”
Her advice to others — whether postal workers or members of the public — is simple: “Be cautious, be prepared, and don’t take any situation for granted. Every day on the route is different.”