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Sully (Bullet)
In December 2001, an 11-week-old German Shepherd mix puppy that couldn't walk was relinquished to the Humane Society of Central Illinois. The individual who brought in the puppy claimed it had broken its hind legs by falling down the stairs.
Seeing Bullet's plight, a local veterinarian rigged up a cart with rear wheels so he could be mobile. Within hours, Bullet had mastered the homemade cart and began having the time of his little life. He quickly won the hearts of all who came in contact with him.
The findings were like getting hit in the stomach with a 2x4. Everyone was sad and couldn't even speak. Sadly, Bullet will need special care for the rest of his life. However, Bullet is extremely intelligent, demanding and already compensating for the loss of his rear limbs.
Investigation The investigation is ongoing as to who did this horrible act of cruelty. The individual who relinquished Bullet gave a false name, address and phone number. It is believed Bullet was shot by an adult with children observing.
April 2003 Update... As you can see from his most recent photos, Sully, as he is now known, is doing well. He still lives at Town and Country Animal Hospital in Normal, while he waits for the right family to adopt him. The staff loves his company and many of their clients enjoy meeting and seeing Sully during their visits.
Now 1½ years old, Sully weighs 60 pounds and has regained some of his bodily functions. However, he will always have special needs and requires a family who can attend to those needs, such as expressing his bladder every 3 to 4 hours daily, and closely supervising any sores or other medical problems. Training can be provided.
At this time, criminal charges have not been made. If you have any information about the shooting and paralysis of this dog in December 2001, please contact the Humane Society of Central Illinois at (309)451-1000. |
HSCI sought veterinary care for the puppy, and to our surprise, X-rays revealed no fractures in either back leg. What was found were two BB pellet shots to the back. The puppy had been shot at point blank range. One pellet was lodged in the spinal cord; the other was superficial. The puppy was paralyzed, with no hind leg, bladder or bowel control. The puppy was initially named "Bullet".
The Diagnosis Bullet was taken to the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine for an examination and ideas for a future course of treatment. Hopes were high that surgery could right the wrong that had been done to Bullet. A canine neuro-surgeon reviewed the case. Bullet was given no chance of ever regaining the use of his hind legs.
Foster Care Bullet has been fostered by three Vet techs from the Veterinary hospital. Having been so young when this senseless tragedy befell him, he only knows life with paralyzed hind legs. He is quite happy with all the attention he gets from his foster moms!
Reward A reward of $1,000 is being offered leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). We now have an individual who has come forward willing to identify the original owner.
As the resident dog of Town & Country, Sully takes on a "staff role" by checking on all the other animals in their cages each day. As he's grown, Sully has been fitted with new carts to accommodate his size. Although he's very adept at moving around quickly without it, the cart allows Sully to get off his butt and run a bit! He loves to take it out on the Constitution Trail.
Sully is a happy, smart, lovable dog. If you are interested in adopting Sully and would like more information on his care, contact HSCI.
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In August 2004, Sully was officially adopted. He moved out-of-state with Dr. Roginski. Dr.
Roginski was one of the vets at Town & Country Animal Hospital and oversaw Sully's care since
December 2001. We wish them both the best.
Reports we have received have been positive. Sully has been doing well health-wise and not having problems with infections. HSCI would like to thank the staff at Town & Country Animal Hospital in Normal for their on-going care and support of Sully. We realize his care was a challenge and deeply appreciate their ability to help where we could not. Through their love and care, he became a very happy and active dog. |
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Copyright © 2008 Humane Society of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.