Dog Shot in Head in Chicago Recovering in South Suburbs

Photos: Courtesy of Tinley Park PAWS

TINLEY PARK, IL — The call first came in as a stray dog with injuries, presumably from a dog fight somewhere in Chicago.

But when the vet got a closer look at the larvae-infested wounds, shelter staff realized the Husky had been shot. Now in the hands of vets at Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park, the dog dubbed Gunner is recovering from bullet wounds to his ear and chest. X-rays show bullet fragments lodged in his head.

Graphic images shared by the shelter show just where he was hit.

"We gladly took the dog in knowing he most likely needed immediate medical attention," staff wrote on the shelter's Facebook page. "We will make sure that this sweet boy receives all of the medical attention and love he needs."

The gunshot to his chest "just missed vital organs," a shelter representative told Patch. The vet scooped out the larvae to save the dog's ear. His head is wrapped in gauze to minimize his pain.

"Despite his injuries, he's still a very sweet dog."

Gunner is fighting an infection from his ordeal.

“We still need to get that infection under control, but right now it’s day-by-day,” said Dr. Matthew Szalay, of Midwest Animal Hospital in Orland Park.

Once healed, Gunner could be up for adoption at PAWS.

The shelter is entirely volunteer-run, and relies on donations. Tinley P.A.W.S. is accepting donations for Gunner's care.

Want more stories like this one: Subscribe to Patch Email Alerts, Join Facebook Pages