Help to get impounded companion dog Neima home

Thank you for all your overwhelming support on my petition at https://chng.it/chcdYysB !! Many people suggested I set up a go fund me to help to pay for the legal fees incurred.

My dog Neima has been impounded at Melton pound since May 24th 2021. Neima was on a chain with me when another dog came onto my property and Neima acted to protect me. I had not long come home from hip surgery and was using a wheelchair/walker at the time of the incident and was put in an awful and helpless position. When Neima was taken by the council I was told Neima would be back within a few weeks after some paperwork was done regarding the incident. I am on disability and this dog is my companion, and friend, and has been locked up for nearly 7 months now. With COVID restrictions and the nature of my disabilities, I have been unable to visit Neima for months now and just want my friend home.

I have paid a lawyer for 6 months now and the Melton council has said NO to everything we have offered. In the stressful year that 2021 has been, I have also needed 2 surgeries this year with the likelihood of more to come after being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Due to these surgeries, medical appointments, and the extensive lawyer's fees that we have paid, I have run out of money. I have sold 2 of my instruments, which are my livelihood, in order to pay for these legal fees, as well as run myself further into debt. This is my last chance to get some help as we can no longer afford to keep the lawyer and need to pay off what I owe him.

I have paid $4000 to date, and owe another $2500 currently, just for the lawyer alone.