‘He was shot’: Georgia rescue finds dog with bullet in shoulder
By Grace Rodriguez
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HINESVILLE, Georgia (WJCL) — Rescue workers at K9 Battle Buddies took in an 11-pound chihuahua they suspect someone shot, and X-rays show a bullet lodged in the dog’s shoulder.
Rescue staff found the dog, named El Hencho, walking alone with what they first thought was a hit-and-run injury. Veterinarians in Savannah used X-rays and confirmed a bullet remained in his shoulder.
“You know, he was shot and left. Somebody shot him and just let him run off like that, you know? And you see it all the time,” said Patricia Durham, owner of K9 Battle Buddies.
The group posted El Hencho’s story on Facebook with dozens of people commenting to wish the dog well, and several offering to adopt him.
“Without that community support, we would not survive. We wouldn’t be able to help other dogs,” Durham said. “It’s hard when you’re in a rescue, you know, you see the worst of everything. And obviously, we’re passionate people. This isn’t the glorious job, you know?”
WJCL reached out to animal control multiple times, but officials did not confirm the circumstances surrounding El Hencho’s injuries. Hinesville and Liberty County police also said they could not confirm any related police reports.
Durham said El Hencho is not the only dog at the rescue with an abusive past.
“We got another dog, his name is Stubby. He has three legs. Somebody chopped his leg off,” Durham said.
Veterinarians told the rescue that removing the bullet from El Hencho’s shoulder could cause more harm than leaving it in place. For more information on the shelter and how to help, click here.
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