Dog recovering after surgery for gunshots

PORT CLINTON – Daisy, a local dog who suffered multiple gunshot woulds early last month, is finally beginning to act like herself again as she recovers from a successful surgery made possible by the generosity of the community.

When Daisy returned home late one night several weeks ago, Jessica Willis discovered that the family’s dog had been shot several times in the mouth, chest and leg.

When Willis learned the extent of the injuries and the total cost to treat them, and knowing her young daughter wasn’t ready to lose her beloved pet, she turned to crowdfunding in an effort to alleviate some of the financial strain and to help pay for Daisy’s necessary surgery.

Within six days of launching the campaign on GoFundMe, more than $700 was raised, all of which went toward the cost of treatment. Along with another donation made directly to the veterinary hospital, Willis was able to get Daisy the help she needed and save her dog.

“I want to thank everyone that helped me with Daisy,” Willis said. “Amazing that there is so many people willing to help.”

Daisy will still have follow-up appointments in the next few months, as the vet monitors how her leg is healing and whether physical therapy is needed, but she is no longer at risk of infection.

It is still unknown who shot the dog — described by her owner as the “sweetest thing in the world” — so many times.

The extensive injuries — which included a fractured leg, broken teeth, a hole leading up to her nasal cavity and a tear causing air to be forced under her skin — were such that Willis had to travel out of town to find a veterinary surgeon who could perform the necessary procedures.

The West Toledo Animal Hospital successfully performed the surgery and even made a special exception with this case to allow a person who wanted to help but would be heading out of town the next day to donate directly over the phone on Daisy’s behalf.

Thanks to such extraordinary efforts and the generosity of all who contributed, Daisy is on the path to recovery and the Willis family can continue to embrace their loving canine companion.

jstinchcom@gannett.com

419-734-7504

Twitter: @JonDBN