A North Island town has come together to raise funds for an owner and her pet whose eye was left hanging "out of socket" after being mauled by two other dogs.
Eevie, a Pekingnese/Griffon, and her owner Hope Appleton were on their regular morning walk in Taupō on Monday when the small dog was approached and then randomly attacked by two Blue Heelers.
Taupō businesswoman Jasmine Anderson came up with "Justice for Eevie" after she saw Appleton's post on Facebook about the attack.
"I've got a Rottweiler myself so I knew being in the situation of the other dog owner how I would feel if my dog did that…… and we would jump in straight away to help with the costs... so we just put a thing up [on Facebook] to see if anyone would want to help her with the costs because it [the attack] was so unnecessary and unfair," Anderson said.
As of Tuesday morning, Anderson said at least 40 people had already donated to the fundraiser and the support from local businesses had been "outstanding".
"In three hours we raised $500 [in donations] and businesses in Taupō have donated so far up to $3000 in giveaways.
"Instead of doing a fundraiser where everyone has to pitch in a certain amount we have done it so any donation [you give], you go in the draw because some people can't afford much so it's better to have that feeling that you have done something instead of nothing at all."
Prizes those who donated could win included an Aj Hackett Bungee voucher and a home pamper pack. Anderson said she made "Justice for Eevie" a fundraiser people of all income levels can donate to.
She said Eevie's owner was "speechless" when she heard about the fundraiser for her dog's recovery.
"She's over the moon cause she's spent all her time worrying how she's going to pay for the vet…. and now she can just concentrate on being there for her dog."
Anderson said some people have even gone directly to the vet to help pay for Eevie's fees which she believed could accumulate to over $1000 after her recovery has finished.
The fundraiser will continue until Monday - when the money raised will be gifted to Eevie's owner and the giveaways will be drawn publicly.
Appleton said the owner of the Blue Heelers has been found and both dogs have been seized. She said the owner claimed they had no money for her vet bills but had accepted responsibility.
The Taupō District Council stated it was taking the dog attack seriously and are currently investigating.
