A puppy, now named Tuff, was found in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, with a bullet through one of his eyes and lodged in his neck. He was lying in a ditch where his abuser left him for dead.
The family who spotted the 15-week-old Labrador mix in the ditch thought he was dead and had been hit by a car. They were shocked to learn that he was still alive. They picked him up and rushed him to Glenwood City Vet Clinic, who called police after they discovered that he had been shot in the head.
The bullet left Tuff with swelling in his brain, and he sadly lost most of his vision and hearing. Although he’s now mostly blind and deaf, vets are hopeful that some of his hearing and sight will return once his brain swelling goes down.
Tuff received fluids, antibiotics and medications before heading to Lucky Paws Midwest rescue, who then placed him with a foster.
He has proven to be resilient and has defeated the odds. He has been nursed back to health thanks to the rescue, the incredible veterinary staff and his foster family.
“This puppy is no longer just called ‘puppy.’ His name is Tuff,” the rescue wrote on facebook. “Tuff is exactly that. A very tough puppy with a will to live. Tuff didn’t give up. He held on, alone, freezing, laying in a ditch after being shot.
Tuff just underwent surgery to remove his eye, which was thankfully a success. During the surgery, vets realized just how close Tuff was to being fatally shot.
The bullet was lodged between his jugular and carotid artery, and if it entered at even the slightest of a different angle, Tuff would have died.
Vets decided to leave the bullet where it was, since the area already has a lot of scar tissue that will protect from irritation. Removing the bullet could potentially kill Tuff, so they believe leaving it there was the best option.
Tuff will now continue to recover in his foster home, and will be put up for adoption once he is fully healed.
In the meantime, rescue staff is seeking justice for Tuff.
“If someone would do this to an animal, who knows what they are going to do next,” Heather Paurus, who works for the rescue, said. “That’s why we want justice for Tuff, for all the ‘Tuffs’ out there.”
Don’t forget to SHARE this with your friends and family.
