In the last 72 hours, Stray Rescue has welcomed not one, not two, not three, but FOUR dogs that are victims of gunshots.

“I don’t remember the last time we didn’t have a dog recovering from a gunshot wound in the clinic,” said Clinic Caregiver Jill

TIPPI

First, meet Tippi. We heard police sirens out front of our shelter, then police carried in a very bloody dog needing emergency help after being shot.

It appears the bullet first went through her ear, then became lodged in the wall around her chest cavity. This is one very lucky dog. She had no broken bones, nor internal organs hit. Dr. Schulz went in to remove the bullet in an emergency surgery, but she is sure to make a full recovery.

PENNY

Next, a Good Samaritan found this dog and instead of ignoring her, they loaded her in their car and drove her to us right away. Another kind and gentle dog, she was so sweet and trusted us immediately. She was shot in her front leg. Sadly, the bullet shattered her joint and she required an emergency amputation. She is recovering from her amputation surgery and is looking for a medical foster home where she can heal in peace and quiet, and become used to being a tripod:

JUDY GEMSTONE

After that, a call came in on a windy, rainy morning that a dog was curled up beside an unoccupied house and “the dog’s been there for at least a day, unmoving.” We hopped in the rescue Jeep and headed to the address. After a little bit of searching, we found a tan dog, huddled up so tight she blended in with the wet leaves she laid on. As we carefully approached, she looked at us. Then she did the unthinkable, she rolled over to show us her belly and to show she means us no harm. She was so grateful for our help.

She took her freedom ride on our lap as we looked over her wounds. Not only has she had puppies and had mastitis (an infection in her mammory glands), but she could not put any weight on her front legs, which each had a large hole. After x-rays, our doctors saw shattered bone and believe she too, was a victim of a human with a gun. As if that is not sad enough, she is also riddled with cancer! Our hearts are broken. We are looking for a huge-hearted person who can take her in as a hospice family member. We estimate she can get a week of love, spoiling, and dignity and we have to give that to her. She deserves to know that unconditional love before it’s too late.

NECTARINE

Not long after we rescued Judy, our CEO Cassady Caldwell, was contacted about a dog suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The dog was stable but needed a rescue group that would try to save the dog. She of course said YES and the dog was immediately transported to us and began receiving emergency care.

This poor guy’s prognosis is not good. He was shot with a buckshot right in his spine, leaving him paralyzed and incontinent. We are currently speaking with specialists to see if he has a chance at a good life. If not, we will have to surround him with love and say goodbye.