Chorizo the Chiweenie

Most of you know our "first" baby, Chorizo. He is a food-loving, sweet, sweet boy, who always has his bag of tricks on deck for the tastiest treats. Making this GoFundMe is hard for us for so many reasons, but we had to do everything in our power to make sure our puppy receives the care and support he truly deserves.

This past Tuesday, I let Chorizo out into our backyard to have his final potty trip for the night, like we have done for the past 4 years. I was about to start my daughter's bedtime routine when I heard Chorizo yelp. I peered past the backyard deck and saw a flash of white. Thinking that Chorizo was getting sprayed by a skunk, I stepped onto the deck with my baby in-tow, yelling to scare off the skunk. Still, the yelping continued and was now accompanied by a foreign growl. Suddenly, I saw Chorizo being pinned to the ground by a pit bull. I screamed and yelled to try to get the pit bull to run off but hesitated to intervene with my 5-month baby belly and my toddler in my arms. I noticed the dog had a collar on, so I leapt, barefoot, to yank the dog off and drag her as far away from Chorizo as I could. I screamed and yelled for help, all the while trying to make sure the dog didn't turn on me and my baby. Finally, the dog was taken into her house and I ran in to find Chorizo. There were trails and smears of blood everywhere, but I found Chorizo seeking comfort on mine and James' shoes. He was cowering in his own pool of blood.

Through the shock and panic, I tried to tend to his injuries while calming my now frantic baby. Luckily my parents had just left our place, so I was able to call them back to help me. My sister and brother-in-law also picked up my call and ran to our side. James rushed home from work and we took Chorizo to the emergency animal hospital.

Chorizo was given pain killers and antibiotics and tested for various kinds of internal damage, but was ultimately treated for severe wounds to his hip, pelvic area, back, and shoulder. Some of the wounds were through-and-through, but fortunately, muscle and nerve damage were minimal. He underwent surgery and is now in ICU under observation. There is still a chance further injuries and complications can present, days following the incident.

We are hopeful that Chorizo will make a full and speedy physical recovery. The emotional damage inflicted on Chorizo and our family, however, will prove to be a much harder journey.

To answer some anticipated questions, the incident was reported, and we are in contact and have the cooperation of the other dog's owner. Unfortunately, the extent of the hospital bill is simply out of our collective means. I know you all have your own loved ones to provide for and struggles to conquer, but we would so appreciate any contribution to Chorizo's recovery!

Thank you to those who have already reached out and asked how to help and thank you in advance to those who will contribute to this fund.