Chief Saved Our Family.

This morning, my brother Scott, his fiancée Jill, and their two dogs Chief and Tator went out for a walk. What should have been a peaceful start to their day turned into a nightmare.

Two 100+ pound mastiffs off leash without an owner attacked them without warning. When it was over, Jill was shaken but unharmed. Little Tator had some bites but is going to be okay. Scott's hands were torn apart. Too many bites to count, tendons possibly ripped, skin and some fingernails gone.

But Chief threw himself between the Mastiffs dogs and his whole family. He took everything so they wouldn't have to. He was bitten on his legs, his back, his head, his throat, and his face. He lost a lot blood. Right now he is in emergency veterinary care, and we are waiting and praying.

If you know Scott, you know he is the kind of person who shows up for others every single day. He is an assistant principal who pours his heart into kids and their futures. Jill is a vet tech who has dedicated her life to caring for animals. These two people are genuinely among the kindest, most selfless humans I have ever known, and I am not just saying that because Scott is my brother.

And Chief? Chief is the goofiest, most lovable dog. He has always been patient and gentle with every dog he has ever met, including putting up with all the chaos my dog and our parents' dog throw his way. He did not hesitate today. Not for a single second.

The bills are already stacking up and will only keep climbing. Emergency veterinary surgery is brutal on a bank account. If you can give, anything helps. If you cannot give, please share this. Chief gave everything he had for Scott and Jill this morning. The least we can do is show up for him and for them now.

We have since learned that Tator's injuries were worse than we first knew. She was bitten on the chest and has just come out of surgery, now recovering with draining tubes coming out of her chest. These two little dogs gave everything they had to protect their family, and now both of them are fighting to recover.

With love and gratitude,

Frank