oh no that poor baby merlot! My heart breaks for you and him!!!
My moms dog was attacked by a neighbors dog. The owners picked up the whole vet bill no fight or lawyers had to be brought in (it was $7,000) and her dog will have a limp the rest of her life also. Its sooo sad. My mom and her hubby try very hard to keep walking the dogs, but they look over their shoulder a lot now. I don't know what I'd do if that happened to one of mine, I am always so cautious. Our walks have dwindled as well due to fear.
Not just dogs but coyotes now too.
I would take the bill from the vet to their house and ask them to pay the bill because of their negligance they left the gate open and your dog had to suffer the consequences. It is not fair to you.