Sorry to hear that, gypzee_mama. My overactive Golden Retriever did the same thing while chasing squirrels a couple of years ago. In my case, the plant died but it is hard to tell what will eventually happen since no two injuries are identical.

Treat the plant with TLC, just as if it had been transplanted. You can put some Elmer's Glue on injuries where the dog damaged it so insects or fungal infections will not cause additional harm. Make sure the plant gets some sun; trim nearby bushes to allow sun to reach the camellia plants.

Do not force the plant to awaken from its dormancy by fertilizing it now. In Spring, provide it fertilizer in the form of Liquid Seaweed, Fish Emulsion and/or SuperThrive only. Your plants are going to be in shock for a while and fertilizing plants that are in shock does not help. Seaweed and Fish Emlsion are weak fertilizers similar to coffee grounds.

If there is leaf growth by May-June, add half a cup of cottonseed meal (or 1/2 what you normally apply) and fertilize no more for 2008. Maintain the soil as evenly moist as possible and keep 3-4" of mulch. If there is no growth by May-June, replace the plants.

Good luck,
Luis

gypzee mama, my heart goes out to you! I would do as Luis says and hope for the best. I once had a black lab puppy chew my favorite burning bush down to knubs one fall when I lived up north. I was very busy with my children at the time, so I didn't dig it up immediately, but figured I could renovate in the spring. Lo and behold, my bush came back and was more beautiful than ever in the spring. However, most of my daffodil bulbs bloomed in various places in the woods, rather than in the yard where I had planted them! Our pets are worth it though.

Don't give up hope yet for your camellias. If they don't happen to come back, look at it as an opportunity to try something new.

Sandy