Howey’s Life Hangs in the Balance — We Need Your Help

$1,592 donated
Given by 51 generous donors in 11 days

Howey was brutally attacked by a stray dog and is now in critical care—please help us save his life.

Henderson, Auckland

On Saturday 3rd May, our boy Howey was brutally attacked by a stray pitbull while out on his usual walk. It came out of nowhere—completely unprovoked—and latched onto his neck, ragdolling him for 2 whole horrific minutes. He lost consciousness, and we truly thought we’d lost him.

Thankfully, he was resuscitated and rushed to VSA Emergency Vets in Henderson, where he remains in critical care.

Howey is a 9-year-old purebred Jack Russell, just 7kg, and full of life. His parents and siblings have all lived past 17—he’s still got so many good years left. But now he’s fighting to survive. My Dad broke 3 fingers trying to release the pitbulls jaw from Howey’s neck. He’s suffered a punctured windpipe, deep neck and leg wounds, and torn muscles in his back and shoulder. He can’t eat, drink, or swallow meds, and any stress could cause his airway to close. He’s sedated to keep him stable.

He is in ICU, and so far his vet bills are over $4,000, and he still needs ongoing care, possibly surgery. We’re doing everything we can but we can’t cover it all on our own. The pitbull’s owner has been found but isn’t offering any help. We’re heartbroken and overwhelmed.

If you’ve ever loved a dog, you’ll understand—they’re family. Howey is loyal, playful, and cuddly. He’s not ready to go. And we’re not ready to let him go. He can be saved—but we need your help.

Please help us fight for Howey. Every dollar, share, or kind word truly means the world. TIA 🩵

We will be updating on his recovery as it happens.

Use of funds

All donations will go towards Howey’s emergency vet bills, surgery, ongoing care and recovery support.

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Latest update

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Final Update - Thank you everyone 🩵  18 May 2025

Hi everyone.

This has been a roller coaster for ol’ Howey, but we just want to say a huge massive thank you to everyone who was so lovely and helped out, no matter the size of the donation every single dollar and share counts. So thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

Howey is now getting back to his usual self! Although he still has a wheeze and coughs, his wounds are slowly healing and he’s definitely pushing through the recovery. The hard part is now over. He wouldn’t have been able to get the care he needed, and do it without you guys so again THANK YOU EVERYONE 🩵🩵🩵

Lots of love from Howey and the Matthews Clan 🫶🏼

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Latest donations

Grant
Grant on 16 May 2025
Get well soon Howey, be strong 💪 💖
$50
Adrianna Matthews

Thank you so much Grant 💖

Adrianna Matthews
Rose
Rose on 13 May 2025
God Bless Howey 🫶🏻
$10
Adrianna Matthews

Thanks so much for your generosity 💖

Adrianna Matthews
kate
kate on 12 May 2025
sending all good wishes, get well soon Howey x
$50
Adrianna Matthews

Thank you so much for your generosity 😊

Adrianna Matthews
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 12 May 2025
$5
Adrianna Matthews

Thank you so much :)

Adrianna Matthews
Janine
Janine on 09 May 2025
$100
Adrianna Matthews

Wow!!! Thank you so much for your generosity!! <3

Adrianna Matthews

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Adrianna Matthews's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Adrianna Matthews
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This campaign started on 5 May 2025 and ended on 16 May 2025.