Thankfully, Kota will survive Hemi's attack but not without extreme pain while enduring bites over two inches deep into his neck, then a four-hour emergency surgery costing thousands of dollars.

Most accidents, injuries, and deaths at the sanctuary occur when individuals are not paying attention to what they are doing. In a split second, we can't reverse the outcome, no matter how remorseful we feel.

Human and animal safety must be the top priority for everyone interacting with our residents. Whether it's an apartment latch, a gate latch, or a double harness, please take a close look at it, touch it, and then look at it again.

Life is precious. Please treat it as such.