Dog shot in face by owner finds new home with sheriff’s office employee, Florida cops say
A young dog who was shot in the face in April is starting a new chapter of his life after he was adopted by an employee from the sheriff’s office that arrested the owner, authorities said.
On May 10, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced one of its employees adopted Rocky, a dog who had been severely injured by a gunshot wound in April, according to a news release.
On April 5, deputies from the sheriff’s office said they received multiple calls about an animal crying and barking in Palm Coast, about 60 miles south of Jacksonville.
When deputies arrived, they said they found a young dog who had been shot in the snout and left in a kennel.
Detectives said Jamier Lee, 25, shot his dog after he said it bit a family member. Lee told authorities he shot the dog outside then dragged it inside, locking it in a kennel before going back out to try to clean the “bloody patio.”
“This is a sick and twisted individual to try and reprimand an animal and leave it to die,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in the release.
Authorities said they immediately transported the dog to an animal hospital and Lee was arrested on animal cruelty charges.
“During the investigation, it was also discovered the injured dog was inside the kennel for over two hours before law enforcement was notified,” according to the release.
Shortly after the incident, Rocky was adopted by one of the employees at the sheriff’s office.
“All the vets said he was a sweet dog and he’d make a full recovery,” its new owner said. “They needed someone to foster him immediately when he was released from the vet following surgery, so he wouldn’t have to go to the shelter. We agreed to take him right away!”
Authorities said the bullet went through the dog’s snout and lip, into the neck and shoulder area and through his left front leg. Following the incident, Rocky couldn’t bear weight on its leg and “hopped around for short bursts.”
After several weeks with its new family, Rocky is officially adopted and making progress toward a full recovery, deputies said.
“He’s able to put weight on his leg now, but still hops when he tries to move quickly,” his adopter said. “He’s very playful, loves his toys, is great with our other dog, and loves everyone he meets. He’s never even growled at us, unlike his previous family claimed. A little love goes a long way!”
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