[DBlain]

I had this happen to me in MI 20 years ago. I had no fence and that did not matter, their dog was not restrained and did damage. My dog was loose but ON my property and did not do damage. I was lucky because they were willing to do something, their homeowners insurance covered many things and their agent was also a neighbor who helped with everything

1. I only paid $500.00 for my yorkie, but to replace him from a reputable breeder was $1,200.00 so I got that,
2. My dog was about 4 and had been fixed, most legit contracts call for that, this time I got a female, and got an estimate from the vet on the cost, got reimbursed for that.
3. Puppies need shots and at least one vet visit, once again got estimate for that and was give the money for that
4. My dog lived about 10 hours and there were vet bills, was reimbursed for that.

I don't know your neighbors but before you try to find an attorney see what they are willing to do, do they own their home if so, ask them to check with their homeowners policy, but of course there is often a large deductible. If you hire an attorney it will be expensive and the cost might outweigh what you can recoup. But what you should ask for is based on replacement cost not what you paid. Everything I collected went to the cost of the new dog because as you know with a puppy there is generally more expenses than with a dog about 4 or so. Good luck going through this sucks big time, but I knew I wanted a new dog and felt strongly that I should not be out the money but they should. If they broke your window or hit your car they would have to pay so it should be the same with a pet.