Dog shot twice, left in snow bank
Glenwood, MN (US)Incident Date: Friday, Dec 12, 2008
County: Pope
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
A vet discovered a dog that was shot twice and left in a snow bank. Like humans, doctors and nurses care for critically ill animals in the intensive care unit.
University of Minnesota emergency care veterinarian Dr. Kelly tart has seen it all.
"Traumas are very big in our field," says Dr. Tart.
And then came the trauma patient and golden retriever they call Annie. Annie has been a patient at the U of M veterinary hospital since Friday. She's from somewhere near Glenwood, Minnesota where last week, someone found her lying near a snow bank by the side of a remote country road.
Annie had not been hit by a car, but had instead, as the local vet discovered, been shot, twice, and left for dead.
Amazingly, with bullet wounds to her neck and abdomen, Annie was still alive and walking, but her condition was getting worse.
"I was appalled. I was just appalled. I couldn't believe someone would leave her behind," says Dayle Stubbs. Stubbs is with the organization Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota. The rescue group brought Annie to the university for emergency surgery.
"I still think she has several issues we're going to have to deal with that will come about as she continues her therapy, but I'm more and more optimistic each day," says Dr. Tart.
No one knows exactly what happened to Annie - whether she was shot accidentally or intentionally. But it's clear Annie, not much older than two, belonged to someone.
"She is so sweet, she is so sweet. She had to be owned," says Dr. Tart.
While Dr. Tart says she's doing much better, it's not clear yet whether Annie will pull through. One thing, however, is certain. This dog is teaching humans a little something about strength of body and mind.
"Lots of people are praying and paws are crossed for her to get healthy," says Stubbs. Police are investigating the shooting, but don't know who Annie belongs to.
And emergency surgery is expensive. The bill is already up to $10,000. The rescue group is hoping for donations. References |
