Today marks one year since my dog Penny was attacked in NYC.
When it happened, a lot of people stepped up to help through GoFundMe. I know there have been questions about how that money was used, so I want to be clear about it.
Those funds have gone toward three things:
- Penny’s emergency and ongoing veterinary care
- Advocacy efforts over the past year to push for changes around dangerous dog cases
- And now, a direct way to help others in the same situation
Today, I donated $18,000 to create Penny’s Fund at the Animal Medical Center. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to victims of dog attacks who bring their pets to AMC.
The goal is for this to be a living fund—something that continues to help people beyond just Penny’s case.
Anyone can contribute here:
https://www.amcny.org/?form=pennysfund
At the same time, we’re continuing to push for policy changes in NYC to improve how dog attacks are reported and handled, so people aren’t left navigating this alone. Please contact your NYC council member to advance Gale Brewer’s legislation that will improve education for officers surrounding dog attacks and improve licensing for dogs around the city.
I am so excited to pay it forward and help other victims. I hope this fund will continue to grow. Thank you so much to everyone who gave and made this possible. ❤️