Montague, New Jersey - A New Jersey family is mourning the tragic loss of their dog Chester, who died from wounds he sustained while fighting with a porcupine.

The incident took place on the early morning of September 2, as Chester's owner, Miranda DeGennaro, heard a scuffle coming from the deck of their family home.

"We saw him running and barking, so we ran down the deck, but it was too late," she told Nj.com.

While she didn't see exactly how it began, DeGennaro believes the nine-year-old pooch attacked a porcupine, which led to the critter using its quills in self-defense.

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The owner shared Chester's brutal wounds in a graphic Facebook post, which showed quills puncturing his face, chest, and stomach.

The biggest concerns were the quills he apparently swallowed in the scuffle, which veterinarians told the family may be a risk to his heart. They requested that emergency surgery be performed immediately.

"He really did need the surgery, and obviously we all thought he was going to live," DeGennaro said. "It was really important for him to get the surgery."

Chester went into surgery, but unfortunately it just wasn't enough.

"The vet said she actually had his heart in her hand and was picking out the quills," DeGennaro told ABC7NY.

Although Chester seemed to be getting better, his condition suddenly worsened, and he died only days after the surgery.

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A GoFundMe was created by a friend of the family's before Chester passed away to help the DeGennaro's pay the accumulated vet bills, which eventually racked up to over $19,500.

"Those of you who know Chesto know he never fails to bring a smile to every one's face," the fund's description read. "He is a very energetic boy who loves to play, go on adventures and rides, and most of all protect and spend time with 'his humans.'"

The family's story seems to have touched many, because as of Thursday the fund has raised over $10,000.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped, I’ve never been more grateful for those around me, those that loved Chester and those who have never even met him for helping out of the kindness of their heart," Miranda shared on Facebook.

The DeGennaro family hopes that their situation can be a warning to other dog owners about the dangers of wild animals. "I would hate for anyone to go through this," Miranda shared, "because it's just awful. Traumatizing."