A Port Angeles family is facing mounting medical, veterinary, and legal expenses after an off-leash dog allegedly attacked their cat during a Memorial Day weekend hike, leaving both the pet and her owners seriously injured.
Port Angeles resident Heidi said the attack happened on a trail in British Columbia where dogs are required to be leashed.
The family was hiking with their cats, Willow and Cirrus, when Heidi said she suddenly noticed a large shepherd-type dog charging toward them.
“When I turned around, I saw a large shepherd dog silently charging toward us,” Heidi wrote.
She immediately yelled for her husband, whom she referred to as “Catdad,” to pick up Willow.
Willow was already safely in his arms when the dog reached them, according to the fundraiser.
“The impact knocked them both to the ground,” Heidi wrote.
She said her husband instinctively curled around Willow in an attempt to protect her, but the dog had already bitten the cat.
A Desperate Fight To Save Willow
After securing their other cat, Cirrus, Heidi said she rushed to help free Willow from the attacking dog.
“Together we physically pried the dog’s jaws open with our hands while trying to shield her from further injury,” she wrote.
The effort came at a cost; Catdad suffered injuries severe enough to require stitches. Heidi said she sustained deep puncture wounds to her hand and broke her thumb while trying to rescue Willow.
Because Willow was shielded during much of the attack, Heidi believes the cat avoided even more devastating injuries.
“Because of how she was being protected, Willow’s injuries were concentrated primarily to her mouth and chest rather than her neck or abdomen,” she wrote. “We truly believe those split-second decisions saved her life.”
A Terrifying Fall
The ordeal was not over. After being freed, Willow fled in panic and climbed a tree.
According to Heidi, a section of bark gave way beneath the injured cat. She fell roughly 30 feet.
“In another unbelievable moment, Catdad managed to catch her before she hit the ground,” Heidi wrote.
The family then carried Willow more than a mile back up the trail before rushing her to an emergency veterinary hospital approximately an hour away.
Emergency Surgery And Long Recovery
Willow underwent emergency treatment that included sedation, surgery, wound care, sutures, and the placement of a surgical drain, Heidi said.
The cat suffered significant injuries to her chest and mouth and lost multiple teeth, including two canine teeth.
In an update posted May 29, Heidi said Willow had reached an important recovery milestone.
“Today was a big milestone for Willow. Her drain tube has officially been removed and she has now finished her anti-inflammatory medication,” she wrote.
Willow still requires antibiotics and pain medication, and the family continues to monitor a broken tooth that may require additional surgery.
The humans are also continuing their recovery. Heidi said doctors remain concerned about the possibility of a deep infection in her injured hand, while her husband continues healing from injuries to his hands and fingers.
“The infection in Catmom’s hand appears to be improving, which is encouraging, but we’re still monitoring her thumb closely,” she wrote.
Legal Battle Could Take Years
The family has also begun exploring legal options. Aan attorney advised the couple that any effort to pursue accountability could be a lengthy process.
“We were advised that it could take a year at minimum, and potentially much longer,” Heidi wrote.
The family said they still do not know the full extent of the medical, veterinary, travel, or legal costs they will face as a result of the incident.
Community Rallies Around Family
Heidi said the response to a GoFundMe campaign has provided critical support during a difficult period.
“The response to this fundraiser has completely overwhelmed us,” she wrote.
She said donations, messages, comments, and shares have allowed the family to focus on healing instead of worrying about the next bill or medical appointment.
“Your kindness has helped us focus on recovery instead of worrying about how we will manage the next appointment, the next bill, or the next step in what is likely to be a long journey ahead,” she wrote.
For now, the family’s focus remains on helping Willow continue her recovery.
“Thank you for loving our sweet Willow Goosey girl,” Heidi wrote.
Those interested in supporting the family can donate via GoFundMe here.
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