My name is Matt Ferrante. But this isn't so much about me.

On March 29th I was walking my dog to Havana Soliz park in Seaside when we were set upon by a dog roughly three times her size. Unleashed. This dog approached her slowly at first, then viciously attacked her.

Realizing the dog was not going to let up, I stepped in, and began fighting to save my friend.

The owner of the dog arrived on scene shortly thereafter, with another dog, roughly the same size, also off its leash. In the process of fighting to save my dog, I was bitten in the face, resulting in a chunk of flesh roughly the size of a quarter being pulled from my chin.

Lucky for me, neighbors who overheard the scuffle stepped in, fending off the dogs. They were able to get my dog, Heidi, to a veterinary hospital. A neighbor I had never met, but who was incredibly generous, got me to the ER.

Police, Fire and Ambulance teams arrived on site. The owners of the unleashed dogs fled the scene. The investigation remains open.

I was given reconstructive surgery on my chin. My dog was given a number of stitches, in her waist, in her back, in her rear right leg. This stitches alongside her rear right side have not held, due to the mobility in the joint. Her care is going to be quite a bit more elaborate than those at the hospital had planned.

I've never done something like this before, I was raised not to ask for handouts. But it's an undeniable fact that any help provided would be a tremendous aid. If you can help, even if only by spreading the word, I would very much appreciate it.

Heidi may not know you by name. But I'm sure she'd appreciate the help as well.