A nine-pound Chihuahua has undergone thousands of dollars in surgery after being mauled by a pit bull at a Vancouver housing hotel.
Vancouver Police say Daisy the Chihuahua was attacked on Monday outside of the former Biltmore Hotel, now the site of a housing program for people living with mental illness, addictions and other challenges.
The pit bull reportedly escaped from its owner, who lives at the former hotel, and bit Daisy several times on the hip and abdomen and also broke her jaw.
“She was pretty rough,” said Dr. Yuri Burstyn, who performed the surgery at Arbutus West Animal Clinic. “Obviously the chest puncture is a big concern for us, and the broken jaw that we’re repairing today.”
The Chihuahua was just settling into her new home after being adopted one week before the attack. Daisy was taken from a high-kill shelter in the United States by Big and Small Rescue.
The rescue has already raised $5,500 online to help the dog’s new owners cover her veterinary bills, which so far amount to more than $6,000.
“We’re really proud of the community that stands behind the rescue and they’re the ones that are stepping up to help Daisy,” said volunteer Cora Chok, who added that the dog that attacked shouldn't be judged for its breed.
"It has nothing to do with a pit bull. Our rescue loves pit bulls, we bring them up all the time and do great. It's really a matter of the owner," she said.
In response to the outpouring of generosity, owner Scott Bracket wrote to supporters on a GoFundMe page that he is grateful “to each and every one of you for what you have done for our small family.”
While Daisy recovers from her latest surgery, Vancouver Animal Control is still investigating the attack.
Animal control said it did not seize the pit bull but say they’ve been in contact with the person who has it.
With a report from CTV Vancouver's Alex Turner
