Dog shot during robbery
Columbus, OH (US)Incident Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2005
County: Franklin
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 2 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
A dog protecting his owner from a gun-wielding criminal got shot in the process.
It happened on the night of May 3 in north Columbus when the gunman tried to rob a woman at the motel where she was staying.
Veterinarians at a north side animal hospital were doing everything in their power to save the dog, whose pain and suffering was clearly evident from his whines and moans.
"He was protecting his owner and did a wonderful job of doing that," one veterinarian observed.
On May 5, Thompson saw Hunter for the first time since their lives simultaneously changed.
"I want to take him home. I miss him," Melodie Thompson said tearfully.
The day before, a man attacked Thompson as she was entering her motel room.
"I didn't notice the gun. He asked me for money. I told him I don't have any money! There's no money here," Thompson said.
"He pointed the gun at me. I didn't think about the dog."
But Hunter was clearly thinking about her.
"He comes running, charging at the guy. He fired three times."
Hunter was badly wounded. He was rushed to MedVet, an animal hospital in Worthington.
"Oh, it takes my breath away," Thompson said of seeing her dog suffering.
Hunter was shot in two legs and shot in the back, with a bullet lodged precariously close to his spine. Veterinarians say Hunter has nerve damage and may never walk again.
Despite the prognosis and excruciating pain, the resilient Rottweiler managed a simple yet powerful gesture for his owner.
Hunter wagged his tail.
"He's crying," Thompson said. "You're coming home soon. Going to be okay."
Police are still searching for the gunman. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Columbus Police Department
(614) 645-4545
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