Dog found shot outside Avella undergoing treatment
Samantha Shore said her husband was cutting grass for elderly neighbors in the Avella area Saturday when they told him to watch out for a dog that was hiding under their porch.
Shore and her husband investigated and found a dog that had been shot with a shotgun.
“I wanted to find someone to take it, so I posted it on Facebook,” Shore said. “We don’t know much about it or how long it had been there.”
Shore said she was unable to keep the dog because her family already has one.
“She was so sweet, just really, really sweet,” Shore said. “She never nipped at us or was aggressive with the kids.
“She was a real trooper, too. She walked up the hill to our house,” she added. “And she knew to go outside to go to the bathroom.”
Cathy Cunningham, an unpaid humane officer with CRICAAT, and Kym Secreet, an animal control officer for several municipalities, both saw the Facebook post. Shore lives in the Avella area, where there is no local animal control officer. The area is handled by a state dog warden who works Monday through Friday.
“We both saw the post,” Cunningham said. “Neither Kym nor I would let an animal suffer.”
Arrangements were made to meet Shore in Hickory to get the dog, which is being called “Willow” by Cunningham.
Cunningham assessed the dog’s condition and immediately took her to the Pennsylvania Veterinary and Specialty Emergency Center in North Strabane Township.
Willow, who Cunningham believes is about 5, had a gaping wound. As the veterinarian cleaned the wound and removed the dead skin, it became apparent that the dog had been shot with shotgun shells filled with birdshot.
After Willow was treated there, Cunningham comforted the animal and took her to the Audobon Animal Hospital in Bridgeport, W.Va., for additional treatment and to have her bandages changed.
“She has a long road to recovery,” Cunningham said. “The wound can’t be closed. It has to be bandaged, which will require daily care.”
Willow also has old, healed wounds, sliced ears, scars, an ulcer on a paw pad and an ulcer in her mouth. Her nails also were long. Ticks were removed, and she will have to be tested in six months for Lyme disease.
Cunningham said she appears to be a mountain cur, a breed more often found in Southern states.
“They have a hardy and strong constitution,” Cunningham said. “She is lucky to be alive. Her prognosis is good.”
Cunningham also said Willow is a very friendly dog.
“She’s never tried biting in spite of her pain,” Cunningham said.
Shore hopes the dog eventually finds a good home.
Anyone interested in helping defray the cost of Willow’s veterinary bills, or to pay for items such as bandages and medication, can send donations to CRICAAT, P.O. Box 117, Washington, PA 15301, or through PayPal at ceeteecee2@comcast.net.