Florida Yorkie survives alligator attack, undergoes surgery

A nine‑pound Yorkshire terrier named Zoey was attacked by an alligator in Englewood, Florida. The dog suffered four broken ribs, collapsed lungs, a flail chest and deep back wounds. Veterinarians at the Veterinary Medical Center in Lakewood Ranch removed about one‑third of a lung lobe and reconstructed her rib cage before she was released to recover at home.

Zoey’s owners launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the more than $9,000 in veterinary costs; the fundraiser had raised $2,825 at the time of reporting. Recovery is expected to take six to eight weeks. The incident occurred during Florida’s alligator mating season, prompting reminders from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission that pets should be kept away from water edges and alligators should not be fed.

The case highlights the growing overlap of residential areas with alligator habitats in the state and the associated emotional and financial risks for pet owners.