Chance, the retriever-mix who was found with a bullet wound on the Viejas reservation earlier this week, was released from the animal hospital and arrived at County Animal Services Friday. The department also began accepting applications for his adoption.
A bullet fired by an unknown person had passed through Chance’s torso and lungs. However, X-rays show tremendous improvement in the approximately 18-month-old dog.
The public can download an adoption application. However, it will be at least a month and possibly 60 days before Chance is ready to go to a new home.
Animal Services medical staff will administer daily antibiotics and continue to monitor Chance’s recovery. Although the dog no longer requires oxygen or in IV, he has much healing ahead and wears a fentanyl patch that delivers the pain medication through the skin.
“He was on death’s doorstep,” said Dave Johnson, County Animal Services’ medical director, as he gazed in wonder at the dog Friday.
Local media were allowed to film chance for the first time Friday, though camera crews were admitted one at a time to make sure Chance was comfortable.
Chance’s troubling injuries and steady recovery have garnered intense public interest and media coverage this week.
The conscious but critically injured animal was found Monday on Viejas Grade Road by a woman who spotted the animal from her car.
County Animal Services rushed the dog to the VCA emergency animal hospital in Mission Valley, where he received four days of lifesaving care.
The dog’s owner relinquished the pet animal to Animal Services, which is providing for the dog’s care through the all-donation Spirit Fund. The fund assists with extraordinary veterinary care provided outside the County. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can visit the Animal Services website.
Animal Services is investigating the shooting and so far has no suspect information.
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.
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.
Anonymous email and text messages can be sent in via sdcrimestoppers.com
