Help Forest Heal (Run, Forest, Run!)

Some of you may have heard that on November 21 of last year (the night before Thanksgiving), Forest was brutally attacked on our regular evening walk on our block in Albany. It was the most traumatic experience of our lives; Forest almost died and I had to witness one of the most gruesome scenes I could imagine. 

It has been a very trying three months. Forest needed emergent surgery, and later developed an infection (which is still not resolved), necessitating a second surgery. I was bitten and fell, injuring my wrist as a result of the attack, and ended up getting evaluated in the emergency room because I couldn't close my fingers. Our medical bills thus far exceed $11,500 and, unfortunately, the end is not in sight for Forest's care. 

With the way New York's dog bite law is written, I cannot obtain legal representation. Even though the dogs were off leash, were clearly dangerous, the owners were identified, and a police report was filed, they are "not legally required" to cover our medical costs. The owners were initially communicative and said they would cover our costs, but have stopped responding to my calls, instead directing us to their homeowners insurance policy which has not been fruitful as of yet. (The most coverage of medical bills we can expect, according to their policy, is 30%.) 

On top of Forest's pain and suffering, my pain and suffering, and the emotional and psychological trauma we've endured, I am in a very difficult position financially. 


I am not proud of asking for help, but I am trying to make the most of the situation we are in. If anyone has ever felt like a victim, unrepresented by the law, like a tired/exhausted/stressed out pet parent, or has had to wear a cone around their neck for 3 months and counting, please consider giving a donation to the Forest fund. We will be eternally grateful.