A dog that survived a gruesome alligator attack is recovering at a Jacksonville veterinary emergency center.
Jack, a 7-year-old boxer-rottweiler mix, suffered a broken leg and severe wounds during the attack on Sept. 26.
The dog’s owner, Daniel Westberry, lives in Ormond Beach and drove dozens of miles to Jacksonville so Jack could get exceptional care.
On Wednesday, Jack underwent a three-hour surgery to fix his fractured leg and close two large wounds that required at least 40 stitches each.
Veterinary surgeon Brad Mackenzie, with Blue Pearl Jacksonville, said Jack suffered a gash that was so deep it exposed the muscle.
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"He's very lucky to be alive," Mackenzie said. "These have been some of three largest lacerations that we have seen."
If all goes as planned, Jack should be able to go home Friday, but he will need to return next week for a checkup.
Westberry said he believes the dog’s size is likely what helped save his life.
“The only reason I think he survived is he weighed 110 pounds, and I think the size of him is what saved him,” Westberry said.
He said veterinary bills for Jack total $8,000. He said they have already maxed out their credit cards to help cover the cost.
As for the alligator involved in the attack, Westberry said it was caught and killed. He said he got a piece of the gator’s tail and plans to feed it to Jack.
"The alligator got the first bite and Jack will get the last," Westberry said.
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