On October 27, Arie and Bramble went out for their usual walk in their neighborhood in NE Portland. Out of nowhere, two loose pit bulls ran up and violently attacked both of them. Arie managed to get Bramble in their arms, both of them screaming while the two dogs ferociously bit Bramble and Arie, trying to pull Bramble out of their arms. Arie tried to run and fight them off. A neighbor saw what was happening and yelled for them to come in his house. The two pit bulls followed Arie and Bramble into the house, continuing to attack both of them, while Arie tried to cover Bramble with their body on the floor. With the neighbor's help, Arie was able to escape into a closed room with Bramble, while the neighbor and his wife fought the dogs off with brooms.

The neighbor rushed them to the pet urgent care, and then took Arie to the emergency room.

As a result of the attack and despite Arie's best efforts to protect him, Bramble is currently in the pet ICU where he has been hospitalized for days. He may have to have his leg amputated. He has undergone multiple surgeries to address the many wounds and dying tissue they caused. He is fighting infections and is on many IV medicines for antibiotics, pain relief, anti-inflammation, and sedation. He is currently being fed nutrients through a tube to his stomach. Even if he keeps his leg, Bramble will require ongoing care; he will probably never be able to walk and play as he did before.

Arie has deep bite wounds on their forearm, hand, and backside. Their face has wounds which will likely scar. Their pinkie was split badly, and they may lose their nail. Their left arm & hand are swollen, painful, lacking mobility, and will need to be rechecked for fracture. They were covered in bruises and struggling to walk normally in the days after the attack, but fortunately are now recovering. However, the doctor has advised them that they cannot work and it is not clear when they will be able to again.

This is a traumatic, life-altering event for the Rosecast family. Arie has been having panic attacks and the family expects there will be more work to address Bramble's fear after this near-death event. There will be a lot of rehabilitation (physical and emotional) ahead for him. It has not been confirmed when Bramble will be stable enough to come home.

Arie, Jason, and Bramble are going through the kind of heartbreak no family should go through. On top of it, the crushing cost of vet bills is quickly adding up and funds are needed to keep Bramble receiving critical care in the hospital.

At this time, we are gathering funds to help Arie and Jason cover Bramble’s medical bills, as well as associated costs. This includes:

For transparency: Arie and Jason hope to eventually have costs recouped, but there is no guarantee of this. If they end up with funds beyond what is needed, it will be put towards Bramble's long road to recovery. Any funds beyond that will be paid forward to another animal in need.

Arie and Jason adopted Bramble as a little, 4-pound potato seven years ago and he's been at the center of their lives ever since. Arie and Bramble are always together. If Arie doesn't feel good, Bramble can always be found laying on top of them & their heating pad. He sleeps next to them while they draw every day. There's never enough fetch for him, unless it's time to snuggle. He sleeps upside down with all his legs in the air because he's always felt so safe and content. He's the sweetest, silliest dude you'll ever meet.

Bramble is always trying to herd the "sheep" in his family to make sure they're together and okay. Please help us make sure the family’s hardworking little shepherd can get the care he needs and come home safely.

If you have read this far, we thank you for taking a moment to share in the family’s grief. If you are able to, a donation of any amount helps. And if you are not able to donate, please consider reposting/sharing this page with others.