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 will continue to heal at his foster home, and will soon undergo surgery to have the lodged bullet removed. Once he is fully recovered, he will be available for adoption.
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, told ABC 5. “That’s why we want justice for Tuff, for all the ‘Tuffs’ out there.”
Anyone with information regarding who may have shot Tuff is asked to please contact the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office at 715-381-4320.
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Dog Seen Outside Of Store With A Sign Around His Neck:
Animal lovers have a lot to say about this story but regardless of what you may think, this is one SMART DOG!
Steve Moore rescued Jackson, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, from the shelter. Jackson needed a home and Moore stepped up to the plate. Moore took Jackson in and began working with him every day. In just a month, Moore had him trained to do something PHENOMENAL! His “trick” had every passerby that saw Jackson, wanting this dog for themselves… a dog NO ONE showed interest in just a month prior.
Moore took Jackson to high traffic, busy areas so he could work with him while getting used to the noises and distractions around him. He had Jackson sit and stay. Then he had him sit and stay for a longer period of time. Then, he had him sit and stay while he walked away from him. He did this repeatedly UNTIL Jackson could be left on his own long enough for Moore to go inside of a store and get his errands done. Since dogs are not allowed in most stores, this was a better alternative to leaving him in a car where he could overheat. Plus, he wouldn’t be tied up, so if an emergency should happen, Jackson could run to safety.
The final stage was to get him to sit and stay WHILE wearing a sign around his neck. “Dad told me to wait here. Me waiting.” And Jackson is really good at waiting! Even with commotion around him and people walking up to say “hi” and give him pets, Jackson waits, FAITHFULLY for his human to return. Now that’s a GOOD BOY!
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We’ve all seen some unique and unlikely friendships over the years, but this one here may take the cake!
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Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.
While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.
These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.
1) Akita
When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.
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2) Boxer
This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.
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3) Skye Terrier
Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.
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4) Beagle
This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.
Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr
5) Shar-Pei
This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.
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