Zilla is a 7-year-old Lab/Golden/Husky mix that was adopted by my best friend when he was 8 weeks old. Lisa had moved to Texas after college and got her own apartment where she was robbed after one month of residency. At that point, she decided she needed someone to protect her and along came Zilla.

He was recently involved in a completely unexpected altercation with another dog, which did not end in his favor. His connective tissue was ripped from the left side of his face leaving a large pocket and Zilla sustained more than 15 puncture wounds to his face and neck. His front right leg was injured and he was unable to walk correctly without limping.

Thankfully, Lisa and Corey were quick to react and got him to an Emergency Hospital where he was kept overnight and received emergency surgery. He had a drain installed to help with the fluids in case he accumulated an infection and received over 35 stitches to his face and neck area and was released home the next day to be closely monitored until his follow up appointment.

Days later, his face started to swell and Zilla was due for a checkup where the doctors found that the pocket in his face had developed an infection. He had to undergo a second surgery, December 6th, to clean out the infection, reposition the drain in his face and more antibiotics were prescribed. Currently, Zilla is taking about 20 pills a day and will have to keep up on this medication during his recovery process, which could last up to 6 months.

Being that it was an emergency room service, Lisa and Corey were asked to pay for any treatment up front before they could perform any type of surgery on their baby. They have been working with the family whose dog did this to him for reimbursement, and they have taken full responsibility, but the doctor’s informed them that the road to recovery might be a bit longer than expected. Each follow up is going to cost money, each refill of his prescriptions will cost money and future surgeries are still unknown as he still currently has an infection and a drain attached that has to be emptied multiple times a day.

The Tate’s mentioned that the family’s dog who is responsible is currently pregnant with twins and the husband is in between jobs, and they don’t want to put them in a financial burden any more than they have to, given the situation. Zilla has already accumulated a substantial amount of medical costs and I want to help in any way that I can. I know how much their dog impacts their life on a daily basis. He is the sweetest pup who wouldn’t hurt a fly and I feel so bad I can’t be there to help as she lives in Texas. Anyone that knows Zilla knows how much he means to both Lisa and Corey.

Lisa has exhausted the remainder of her paid time off from work to be home to watch over him and Corey has been working from home as much as he can so Zilla is not left unmonitored at any point during his recovery. Although this past week has been very difficult for them both, I believe in the spirit of Christmas and giving back and know that anyone who knows Lisa and Corey, or even Zilla, can attest that this dog did not deserve this, and neither do the Tate’s.

We are grateful for everyone who can donate to help with Zilla’s present and future medical costs. Any donation amount is appreciated, and please only donate if you are able to. Zilla and the Tate’s wouldn’t want anyone to be in a financial hardship due to helping with his medical care and recovery, especially during this holiday season.