Our sweet Chimuela was attacked by another dog at the sanctuary. She was rushed to the hospital where she is in critical condition. In the aftermath of the attack, her temperature dropped as her body tried to respond to the stress. She seems to have lost feeling in one of her hind legs, and at this time we are unsure if that is temporary. She has been on supportive care and pain management, and the vet reports her condition is “delicate.”

Chimuela is a senior dog who was pulled off the street just 2 years ago. She had spent her whole life not knowing stability or comfort and settled into being the happiest dog we have. She wags her tail every time she walks and has a happy demeanor. For her to be the one who was attacked feels like a cruel irony.

Chimuela will need stitches, ongoing ICU care, and pain management while she heals. Once she is stable, the greatest threat to her is screwworm—an infectious insect that is attracted to open wounds and then eats into the animal’s flesh. They are horrific, and there is currently an outbreak in the area. Chimuela may need long-term boarding until her wounds are fully healed to prevent any risk.

In a group setting, while rare, things can and do happen. They are deeply upsetting, but we do not blame the handlers who were present or the dog who attacked her. That dog was already scheduled to be leaving in a few days and has been separated and given the support she needs until then.

For now, we have set our goal to $400, which should cover her care as far as we can see it now.