I am the son of Jean, I have already posted my version of the story here on reddit on my profile, and now i’m here to share my mothers story as she is the one who witnessed this horrific event. This post now also has his Xray, and all of his bills attached. The itemized receipt from the surgeon/vet ER is still ongoing since Dash is still with them so we do not have the full PDF just the estimated $5,000 for that part of the bills, the others which are in PDF form are completed receipts.
This is Dash. He’s my 4-year-old Pomeranian, my baby, and my little shadow. He is one of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet. He loves car rides, giving kisses, going shopping with me, and getting attention from absolutely anyone who will stop to pet him.
Sunday evening, I let Dash into our fenced backyard to use the bathroom, just like I have thousands of times before.
I stepped inside for a moment to grab some water. When I came back outside, I saw Dash near the back fence and thought he was stuck. He wasn’t making a sound. I ran over and saw what looked like his paw caught between the fence boards. I could hear the neighbor’s dog on the other side of the fence and could hear its owner calling for it.
I pulled the fence board away to free what I thought was Dash’s paw.
That is when I realized his front leg had been ripped apart.
I was in complete shock. When I looked through the fence, the rest of his leg was lying several feet into the yard of the neighbor directly behind us.
I picked Dash up, ran him inside, wrapped what was left of his tiny arm and applied pressure to stop the bleeding while screaming for my son. My son grabbed my keys and wallet and drove us straight down FM 2499 to the first emergency vet we could find.
Dash never cried or yelped. He just looked terrified and in shock.
The first ER stabilized him, redressed his wound, started pain medication and discovered that his trachea was also collapsing. Because of his breathing, he had to be placed in an oxygen chamber before they could even safely take X-rays.
Once he was stable enough, we were transferred a few minutes down 2499 to another emergency veterinary hospital that was equipped to perform the surgery he needed.
Monday morning, the surgeon confirmed that Dash’s injuries were consistent with a bite. There was also significant concern about bacteria from the bite, dirt and fence debris contaminating the wound.
Although his leg had been torn off around the elbow, the damage was so severe that the surgeon had to amputate his entire front leg from the shoulder.
Dash made it through surgery, but he is still hospitalized. Right now he is off oxygen, but he is still very groggy, has not started eating, and the veterinary team is adjusting his pain medication and monitoring his breathing closely. We do not know yet when he will be able to safely come home.
As of Tuesday, I have already paid $8,875.86 in emergency veterinary expenses, and that amount continues to grow every day Dash remains hospitalized.
I have drained my savings and my credit cards are nearly maxed out, but I cannot bring him home before it is medically safe just because I am running out of money.
My son (me) has created a GoFundMe to help with Dash’s emergency medical bills. He is also adding documentation, including veterinary receipts and one of Dash’s X-rays.
This has been by far the most traumatic thing Dash, my sons, and I have ever experienced. Dash went from being safe in his own backyard to suffering a horrific injury, losing his front leg, and being hospitalized away from home. I cannot even look at my back door without seeing him at that fence again.
Flower Mound police were contacted, but we were told this is a civil matter. If anyone knows a pro bono attorney who may be willing to advise us regarding Dash’s medical expenses and the safety issues involving the fence, I would also be incredibly grateful for that information.
Right now, though, my biggest concern is getting Dash through this and getting him home safely.
If you are able to donate, any amount truly helps. If you cannot donate, sharing this post could help us reach someone who can.
Thank you to everyone who donates, shares, prays for Dash, or helps us get his story in front of more people.
You can find the GoFundMe link here