Dog shot twice in Chicago expected to make full recovery; will be put up for adoption

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - In Orland Park, a very lucky dog is on a long road to recovery after being shot multiple times.

“Gunner” is expected to make a full recovery despite the fact that he may spend the rest of his life walking around with bullet shrapnel in his head and chest.

Gunner was found roaming the streets of Englewood last Thursday night, bruised and bloodied with puncture wounds to his head and torso. It was hard to look at, but hardly unusual for strays found on the streets of Chicago’s South Side.

"Considering that there are a lot of stray dogs in that area, they do fight...so, it was not unheard of when the rescuer actually took Gunner and found out that he had been injured, assuming that he had been in a dog fight,” said Candy Staros, Medical Volunteer at P.A.W.S. Tinley Park.

With his condition worsening, he was rushed to a nearby animal hospital. It wasn't until doctors got a closer look at gunner that they realized his injuries were far more severe.

"As soon as we did the X-RAYS and saw the bullets, you know the pieces of metal in there that we knew he was shot. so, clearly something more than just your backyard dog fight,” said Dr. Melissa Newberg of Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park.

Gunner was shot twice by an unknown assailant, once in the head with the entry wound clearly visible near the dog’s ear, and then again in his abdomen.

Gunner was rushed into surgery where doctors stopped the bleeding and cleaned out several infection sights. His prognosis at this point is promising. However, his medical bills are piling up, reaching more than $8,000 dollars

"P.A.W.S. is a shelter that works with all volunteers, everything we do is through donations, that's how we survive, so this has been quite a bit of a burden on us,” Staros said.

So, Gunner's going to be in Orland Park for a couple of weeks doing rehab and then he's off to P.A.W.S. Tinley Park. It's still going to be a few weeks after that before he becomes eligible for adoption. Hopefully, he will find a loving family.

As is the case with most "celebrity adoptions,” P.A.W.S. Tinley Park is anticipating a lot of interest in gunner. Those who have gotten to know him best believe he will do better in a home without small children and without other pets.