On Memorial Day weekend, our family was attacked by an off-leash dog while hiking on a leash-required trail in British Columbia.

When I turned around, I saw a large shepherd dog silently charging toward us. I immediately yelled for my husband (“Catdad”) to pick up Willow because neither of them had heard the dog approaching.

Willow was already safely in his arms when the dog attacked. The impact knocked them both to the ground. Catdad instinctively curled around Willow to shield her, but the dog had already latched onto her.

After securing our other cat, Cirrus, I ran over and joined the struggle to protect Willow and get the dog off of her. Together we physically pried the dog’s jaws open with our hands while trying to shield her from further injury.

Because of how she was being protected, Willow’s injuries were concentrated primarily to her mouth and chest rather than her neck or abdomen. We truly believe those split-second decisions saved her life.

After she was finally freed, terrified and severely injured, Willow ran up a tree in panic. A section of bark broke away beneath her and she fell from approximately 30 feet. In another unbelievable moment, Catdad managed to catch her before she hit the ground.

We carried her more than a mile back up the trail and rushed her an hour away for emergency veterinary treatment.

Willow underwent emergency sedation, surgery, wound treatment, sutures, and placement of a surgical drain. She suffered severe injuries to her chest and mouth and lost multiple teeth, including two canine teeth.

Both of us were also injured while trying to save her. Catdad required stitches, and I suffered deep puncture wounds to my hand and broke my thumb. Despite immediate treatment and antibiotics, doctors are now concerned about possible deep infection and the potential need for surgery.

We are incredibly grateful that Willow survived, but we are now facing significant veterinary expenses, medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, and legal expenses related to the attack.

Many people have reached out asking how they can help. This fundraiser will go directly toward Willow’s veterinary care, our medical treatment, recovery expenses, and the legal costs associated with pursuing accountability for what happened.

Thank you for supporting Willow, Cirrus, and our family during one of the most difficult experiences we have ever faced.

With gratitude,

Heidi, Catdad, Willow & Cirrus