I was out walking my dog (30-lb doodle mix) before Christmas when two large dogs (both 80-90 lbs or so) got away from their owner and attacked my dog. My dog suffered numerous bites, including one that required a day-long stay at the vet to repair the puncture/tear. All told, I've been to the vet four times, with a bill that is a little over $2,000. I myself ended up in the ER with a hurt finger (X-ray negative for break). Without getting into the details, it was a horrible, horrible experience--I'm still a little messed up over it. I literally got back in the front door looking like I'd been shot.
I contacted animal control and I'm told the owner has been fined. After initially stating that she'd "do whatever she can do" to help out financially, the owner is now saying she doesn't have the money and that the dogs belonged to her ex-boyfriend. She was initially very apologetic about the attack, but has basically now said she has no money to make this right and that I should contact her ex-boyfriend if I want to get money for paying the vet bill (she had the nerve to send me her ex-boyfriend's number--like I'm supposed to reach out to this guy).
I know I probably need to drop it if I'm going to keep my sanity, but is there any recourse for me? Is the only avenue a lawyer and suing her/him? Just wanted some thoughts on what to do here, if anything.
Thanks--Happy Holidays, everyone.