Help River-My Brave Little Fighter After Vicious Dog Attack

Hi, my name is Seana McElhinney, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart and a desperate plea for help. My beloved dog River, a Westie x Yorkie mix and my best friend, was viciously attacked by another dog this morning during a house visit where he plays with other dogs. It’s something we’ve done many times before. But this time, everything went wrong.

It was the one of most terrifying moment of my life. I genuinely thought River was dead. After, eventually, managing to separate and contain the attacking dog, I went to pick up River’s body… and by some miracle, he moved his head. Despite severe trauma and almost no signs of life, River held on. I rushed him to the emergency vet, where his temperature was dangerously low, he could barely breathe, and we feared brain damage. But River, my handsome little warrior, is stubborn. He fought for his life. And somehow, I don’t actually understand how, but he’s still here.

River has a broken tracheal cartilage and may have vocal cord or neurological damage. He’s been on oxygen, IV fluids, and constant monitoring at Rockhall Vets in Monaleen, Limerick. He’s stabilised now, but still in critical condition. He will still need surgery once the swelling subsides, followed by recovery and possible further treatment.

The costs are overwhelming, and I’m hoping to raise €4,000 to cover his hospital stay, and upcoming surgery. I will be uploading a photo of the itemised vet bill to show exactly where the costs are coming from.

To know River is to love him. He’s a goofy, fiercely loyal little guy who’s been with me since I rescued him 6 years ago, at just 5 weeks old. I hand-fed him for those first two weeks of his life with me. I named him River because his long black fur looked like a gentle stream; and because it was the only name that made him tilt his tiny head in that curious, perfect puppy way.

He’s not just my dog, he’s been my anchor. When my other dog Jackson passed away from cancer not even six months ago, River was the one who got me through it. I can’t bear to lose him too; not now, not like this.

If you can donate anything, no matter how small, you’ll be helping to give River the second chance he so clearly wants to fight for.

If you prefer to donate directly to the vet, here’s their contact info:

Rockhall Monaleen Vets

Monaleen Rd, Castletroy, Co. Limerick, V94 YP5K

+353 (0) 61 333 033

[email redacted]

(Please reference “River – Seana McElhinney”)

Even if you can’t donate, please share this campaign. Every single share could help us reach someone who can.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With love,

Seana & River