Godiva's Medical Expenses

On February 27th at around 7:30 PM, Godiva and I set out for our usual, nightly walk around our Germantown neighborhood. Just as we stepped onto the front porch, the unthinkable happened. Two full-sized pit bulls, one being a blue nose and the other a red nose pit, ran up on the porch and lunged at Godiva, locking onto her neck and right leg. As I fought back my shock, my maternal instincts kicked in and I begin to hit and kick at the dogs. This only made the pit bulls more aggressive, as they dragged Godiva down the steps and into the middle of the street! I fought back my tears as I held onto Godiva's leash and continued to shout and hit the dogs. Communal solidarity kicked in as a pedestrian waiting for the SEPTA bus, ran over to help. Just then, cars stopped, and neighbors began to come outside and even called the police. Godiva and I were both extremely grateful for the help of the community, however, it was not enough not ease the extreme pain for Godiva and sorrow for myself.

As I watched my 25 lb, 11-year-old dog attacked and dragged into the street by two very aggressive pit bulls, all I could manage to do was kick and scream and somehow, that still didn't seem like enough. Godiva suffered major damage to her front right leg, the top of her head, neck, and left shoulder. She was completely in shock! After taking her to emergency veterinary care, I learned that Godiva suffered from a total of 17 bites and punctures, most of which needed to be stapled and sutured, and lacerations to her mouth and tongue. Her post-op surgery required the use of four draining tubes to help with "pocketing" which is when the aggressor's tooth punctures the skin and creates a pocket below the skin which forms an ideal environment for bacteria from the aggressor's mouth, to multiply and develop into an infection.

Godiva is currently taking three different medications, Carprofen to help with pain and inflammation, Trazodone to help with keeping her calm throughout the healing process, and Amoxicillin as an antibiotic. Her medical expenses, including her initial visit, surgical visit, and post-op necessities such as dog pads, soft dog food, extra blankets for comfort, a new orthopedic dog bed, post-op surgical t-shirt, probiotics and wellness came to a total of $2,500 ($291.50 for pre-op/checkup, $1,500 for the surgery which was $2,300 but the vet honored the original high-end estimate which I couldn't be more thankful for, plus other necessities listed).

I'm sure I do not have to stress how dramatic and traumatic this event was for Godiva and me. I wouldn't wish this pain or trauma on anyone! As shocking as it was, I remain optimistic about Godiva's recovery and the financial support. All donations and shares of this GoFundMe would make a world of difference for us both.