I am Alice Finney. I am an 86-year-old great-grandmother to a teenage boy, who is the owner of Jimmy, a black rescue heeler.

I have raised my grandson alone most of his life. I agreed to adopt Jimmy 2 years ago, and he has become Owen’s constant companion. I call Jimmy Owen's brother.

Last week, we set out to take Jimmy to the dog park , The dog park is out of town by the river. When we arrived, Owen took Jimmy in; there was only one person there. I don’t see well at a distance and I walk slowly, so I was a few minutes getting to the gate. The minute I started to open the gate, I heard the fight. I could only see Owen in the middle between a huge pit bull and Jimmy. I realized how fierce it was as I stumbled closer. I started to scream to Owen, asking if he was okay. The owner of the pit bull had approached and was pulling the dog. Jimmy was on the ground, and I saw blood on Owen and saw Jimmy's leg, and I knew it was broken. I screamed and screamed, "OMG... nooooo!!" The man grabbed his dog and took off in a pickup. I said, "Owen, we have to get to the vet." It was about 4 pm. I knew Jimmy was seriously hurt; I didn’t know about Owen.

I also knew the situation was going to cost. When the vet took Jimmy back for X-rays, I turned to Owen and saw his thigh had been injured with a bloody hole and deep gouges.

Jimmy has a compound break that may require orthopedic surgery. The break is uneven. The puncture wounds are deep. His head and ear are torn.

To save me the expense, the vet said she would try to line up the break. He spent 2 days at the vet. The cast was changed to let the puncture drain. The splint was changed twice and again this Monday.

Owen and I are alone without support from family. Owen’s relationship with this dog is a deep emotional connection and the best therapy he could have from a traumatic family setting. We have wept for 2 days, and I cannot imagine this quiet, kind boy without his dog companion.

I am beyond answers except to ask for help to do the best for Jimmy's recovery and to save my grandson from further heartbreak. I believe in the kindness of humans as a whole to consider the helplessness of a boy and his dog.

Blessings and thankfulness to anyone who can help.