Medical Bills AfterDog Bite Tragedy

I am reaching out to my community, friends, family and anyone who has the heart and means to help me recover from this emotional and financial catastrophe. On July 13th 2014 I was walking out of my neighbor’s driveway on a rural country road with my beloved dog of 7 years, Ocho. Just as we reached the road, two joggers rounded the corner, startling and surprising us. I gasped as my dog Ocho, in an attempt to protect me from what he perceived as danger, leapt up and bit one of the joggers on the arm. Though both women have been incredibly gracious about the accident and didn’t wish to press charges, the State of Washington put me in a legal and financial dilemma, giving me the choice of either facing a host of charges, fines and restrictions for Ocho that would have ultimately left me with a record of assault, thousands of dollars in debt and essentially permanent quarantine for my dog, or...to have him euthanized. It was a profoundly difficult decision, as Ocho was my best friend and no one in this situation was truly at fault. But faced with my limited means and the prospect of having a criminal record, debt and having to find new housing, I made the only decision I could and had him put down. Unfortunately, I am still responsible for the jogger’s medical bills which totaled more than $3,000. While it is humbling to ask for help, this financial and emotional hardship weighs on me daily as I am struggling to financially survive in the wake of this terrible accident. I am a practiced and dedicated artist and am offering anyone who donates $100 a 8.5x11 graphite portrait of one person, and anyone who donates $200 or more an abstract oil painting or 11x17 graphite drawing of their choice (to be negotiated directly). I want to emphasize my gratitude and how much I truly appreciate your support as I seek to bring this terrible accident to resolution. Thank you!