Help! Dented my seat stay - is my bike kaput?

Nein, es ist nicht kaput.
For one thing, the region of the frame that your "accident" happened is subject to compressive loads rather than flexive. Ok, it was done cold, but just look how deformed the tubular section is around the chainstay tyre clearance area on most frames. Do frames fail there?
Obvious that you're upset. But rest easy, it's mostly cosmetic damage. If your frame fails under stress, chances are very much that it will be in the head tube region or at the rear dropouts. To salve your conscience, I'd scrape/sand the damaged area, inspect it for cracks (very unlikely!) then fill, paint and maybe affix a suitable sticker. What that could be is up to you..
 

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