Dog Shot in Head Finds New Hope with Rescue Group

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Husky that grabbed hold of hearts while recovering from gunshot wounds is healed and on his way to a happy life.

Dubbed "Gunner" by staff at Tinley Park PAWS, the handsome pup arrived at the shelter in early July. The call first came in as a stray dog with injuries, presumably from a dog fight somewhere in Chicago. But a closer look revealed that Gunner had been shot—one wound to his torso, another to his right ear. The bullet holes were infected and filled with larvae. The blue-eyed, 2- to 3-year-old canine was a heartbreaking sight, then brought to Midwest Animal Hospital for care. Over the next weeks, doctors amputated his right ear, helped Gunner battle an infection, and recover from the trauma of his past.

Now it's finally time for him to go "home."

PAWS staff this week announced that Gunner will move on to foster-based rescue "Adopt a Husky," where he will receive training and plenty of love until he finds a forever home.

A trainer from the group recently visited Gunner and found him to be "a highly intelligent Husky who is responsive to training and wants to learn," PAWS shared on Facebook.

"As huskies go, Gunner will train quickly and is highly adoptable."

While PAWS had hoped to bring Gunner into the shelter for adoption, the rescue is a better option for a dog who has endured so much.

"His pain, surgeries, infection, grueling daily dressing changes, hydrotherapy and laser therapy are all behind him now!," PAWS shared on Facebook.

"Placing him in a breed-specific foster home with a trainer is what Gunner needs and deserves—the best of the best! I wish all of us at PAWS could have met Gunner to see what a survivor he is and to see how forgiving he is despite his past. It is time for Gunner to pack his bags and start a new life. He is a beautiful dog with beautiful blue eyes that now sparkle."

His sweet nature made an impression on staff, as well as another of his preferences.

"My only concern is that I sure hope whatever foster home Gunner goes to, that they live near a Portillo's—Gunner loves their chicken tenders!"

Photos Courtesy of Tinley Park PAWS Facebook