Main fundraiser photo

Dog Attack Vet Bill Help



My dog and I were walking home from a park in my sister's neighborhood in North Sacramento when a homeless man's unleased dog broke free from his grip and attacked my dog, Leeloo. I was holding Leeloo at the time since I picked her up once I saw that the dog was running straight for her. The attacking dog was some kind of large terrier. I firmly told him to "go home", as I've read that you're supposed to remain lead dog when encountering an off-leash dog and use terms that the dog may be familiar with, but he leaped and grabbed hold of Leeloo's vulva. Leeloo and I both ended up on the ground either because I tripped on the dog or because of the force of the dog's pull. Once he had better access to her, he released her vulva and bit into her lower jaw. After that, he would not let go. By this time, his owner was holding his dog, trying to help. Finally, the dog released after a punch to the throat. 
Since I knew the man was homeless, as he was camped out on the corner of the street (this is not a common occurance in this neighborhood), there was really no information for us to exchange. In that moment, I decided it was best and most important to seek immediate medical attention for Leeloo. There was a lot of blood and her lower jaw was dangling from her face so I wasn't sure how serious her injuries were. I later reported the incident to animal control and we are keeping an eye out for the man and his dog in the neighborhood. 
Vista Vetinary Specialists emergency clinic was amazing and able to see Leeloo right away but they required payment right away. I ended up using an old Care Credit account that I hadn't used in years as it was my only option for that large of an upfront payment. Obviously Leeloo (any pet for that matter) is more important than money or debt.
This was two weeks ago, exactly. Leeloo had her sutures removed today and has healed very nicely. She lost part of the lower portion of her jaw as the bone was fractured multiple times and not healthy enough to save. Thankfully, she has remained in high spirits even in the moments right after the attack. Experts say dogs live in the moment and Leeloo has definitely proven that. 
I would not normally ask for financial assistance but this is a financial burden I am completely unprepared for. Had the owner of the dog not been homeless, I may have had the chance to recoup at least part of the funds.
As a community of animal lovers, I thought we might come together in support of Leeloo and all the love and happiness she shares with us. 
I am beyond grateful for anything you can give. 
I will be posting a photo of the final invoice once I am home in Clearlake and have access to it. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns I can address for you.

Organizer

Grace Gorham
Organizer
Clearlake, CA

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