Chance, the dog found with a gunshot wound on the Viejas reservation, is out of his oxygen chamber, off IV fluids and gaining strength, an Animal Services spokesman said Thursday.
The dog still needs rest and medical attention, but on Thursday, Chance was stronger than the day before. When staff at the VCA animal hospital in Mission Valley let him out of his oxygen chamber Thursday, Chance tried to climb into the laps of staff, Animal Services Lt. Dan DeSousa said.
“The plan is to have a new set of X-rays today and see how his lungs are going,” DeSousa said. “If everything looks good, he will likely be moved to our Gaines Street shelter tomorrow under the care of our veterinary staff.”
Also on Thursday, San Diego County Crime Stoppers Announced a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects who shot the dog.
The conscious and wounded animal was found about 7:30 a.m. Monday near the Heartland fire station on Viejas Grade Road by a woman who spotted the animal from her car. A single bullet had been fired through his torso.
The dog’s owner told Animal Services the dog roamed free on the Viejas reservation and knew everyone. She said she did not know who would want to harm the dog. The owner has since relinquished the pet to Animal Services, who will continue to provide for the dog’s care through the all-donation Spirit Fund.
Animal Services is investigating the shooting and so far has no suspect information.
Anyone with information on the identity or location of whoever is responsible for this crime should call San Diego County Animal Services at 619-236-2341 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case. San Diego Animal Advocates is offering an additional reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via sdcrimestoppers.com.
