Tuesday night at approx 515pm, Brian, a Philadelphia Artist and Yoga Teacher, and, Ziggy, a 12 year old Miniature Pinscher from Kentucky, rescued from a kill shelter when he was 3 and adopted by Brian, went on a walk through Center City. On this night though, their walk was violently interrupted when they were attacked by a dog. A Pitbull grabbed Ziggy by his bag hind leg, and the brutal attack continued for nearly 5 minutes. Brian screamed for help and 2 kind people leaving a bar ran over. Ziggy was at first screaming and crying but then, in shock, stopped moving. The 3 humans tried everything they could to get Ziggy free. Brian felt like he was watching my dog die and wasn’t able to save him.

 

Suddenly Ziggy sprung to life and started biting the Pitbull’s ears over and over, at which point Brian started pounding the dog’s head with his fists as hard as he could , which finally made the dog release Ziggy. Ziggy was rushed first to Heart + Paw, which sent them to VEG (Veterinary Animal Group), where Ziggy was stabilized, and then on to PASE (Philadelphia Animal Specialty and Emergency) where he would receive further care and have his injuries assessed. 

 

Ziggy’s metatarsal bones below the ankle were completely crushed, as were his toes, in addition to his knee being fractured. He had deep puncture wounds on his hip. They also discovered his lower jaw was fractured and a canine tooth was lodged up into his nasal cavity during the attack. Ultimately upon discovering that blood flow to the foot was totally severed and his foot was hanging by threads, the only choice was amputation. 

 

Brian’s arm was bitten, but otherwise, his total concern is for Ziggy. Ziggy will need long term care and support, having to endure a further series of veterinary visits, including an orthopedic for his fractured jaw and teeth. 

 

Brian later filed a police report in hopes that this doesn’t happen to another dog. 

 

The cost of Ziggy’s care is currently over $10,000, not including future doctor, orthopedic and dental visits, medication, special diet for Ziggy, and Brian taking a leave from work to care for Ziggy.

We created this GoFundMe in hopes of easing both the financial burden and emotional strain so Brian can focus fully on healing and adapting alongside Ziggy.