Help Xispa Recover from a Vicious Attack (service dog)

Hi. My name is LaurAlicia Palomares and I am organizing this GoFundMe because my service dog, Xispa, was viciously attacked by my neighbor's dog (pitbull) last week. She underwent emergency surgery the same day and is scheduled for another one this week. She has multiple wounds on her neck, head, face, and ear, including a deep wound on her neck that requires further surgery. It was a horrific and traumatic experience, and the emergency vet said she is incredibly lucky to be alive.

Although the neighbor should be liable, there has been no gesture of responsibility or even concern. At this point, I must assure Xispa gets the surgeries and healing she needs. As anyone who has or has had pets knows, emergency bills and surgeries are very expensive. The emergency room visit, first surgery, and medications were almost four thousand dollars. I have shared a copy of the first vet bill with the pitbull’s owner and still no response from her. I have also filled a report with Animal Control and a case has been opened. I do not blame the dog, but the human that didn't train and care for it properly.

I want to share how essential Xispa is to me. I am losing my hearing and although I now use hearing aids, I still can't process all sounds and my brain has a hard time detecting where the sounds are coming from. Xispa is my other set of ears and has truly given me my life back. Because of her support I feel more confident and safer in my home and out in the world. She helps me discern sounds and alerts me of possible danger. It is not easy for me to share my story so publicly, but my belief in community support is stronger than my fears.

My Xispa is a loving, playful, and friendly dog, and I hope this traumatic experience doesn’t change that. Some might suggest finding a new service animal after something like this, but I can’t give up on her after all she has given me. She is smart, strong, and determined, and I truly believe she can recover and thrive again. To assist with that, this fundraiser is also going to provide her with retraining courses to restore her service dog and socialization skills.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me help Xispa heal at this critical time. No amount is too small. And if you cannot contribute, sharing this GoFundMe would also be a great support and much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read our story. I’ll be sharing updates on Xispa’s recovery, and she’ll be sending virtual cuddles to you all.

With deep gratitude,

Xispa’s human