by Dennis Dalman
There is a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or people who viciously shot a yellow Labrador retriever six times at close range with a pellet gun. People with information should call the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office at 320-251-4250 or Crimestoppers at 320-255-1301 or 1-800-255-130.
News of the cruelty has disgusted people throughout Minnesota and beyond, and offers of help have poured into the Tri-County Humane Society where the dog, dubbed Remington by the staff, is recovering.
The dog was shot four times in its face and twice in its rump sometime on the night or early morning of Feb. 21-22. A deputy with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department surmised the dog was restrained while it was shot and then probably left for dead.
On the morning of Feb. 22, a resident in Avon Township found the dog lying under a tree and called the sheriff’s department. Deputy Bruce Bechtold then brought the dog to a veterinarian.
At the humane society, Remington underwent surgery for broken jaw bones and was in extreme pain and discomfort because of his injuries. He was given pain medications and a day later he was happy and acting as if he hadn’t been through any trauma at all. Humane-society staff described him as a sweet dog who loves to interact with people. Because of his badly broken jaw, he is unable to eat any food other than wet dog food, and it may take him up to two months to fully heal.
On the afternoon of Feb. 29, Marit Ortega, TCHS fund-development manager, told the Newsleader she and others are more amazed each day what a happy recovery Remington is making. Though he still cannot eat except for the softest foods, he is active and happy with the staff.
Ortega said Remington has become a kind of “poster boy” for abused animals locally. She said that, fortunately, TCHS seldom receives animals that have been through such pain and trauma as Remington. That is why the staff and TCHS supporters are so happy about Remington’s rapid recovery – a case of sad story with a happy resolution.
The staff has secured a foster home for him when his condition improves. If an owner doesn’t claim him, he might eventually be eligible for adoption.
Tri-County Humane Society Director Vicki Davis and her staff are impressed with the outpourings of concern and generosity from people who heard via the media about the act of cruelty against Remington.
“We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us this week . . .” Davis wrote on the society’s website. “He (Remington) is doing quite well, thankfully, and has a long road ahead of him to full recovery . . . As disturbing as it is knowing someone likely did this intentionally and has yet to be caught, there are clearly far more good people out there doing their best to take the sting out of Remington’s story.”
Davis said the society has received enough donations to cover Remington’s medical bill, and one day a woman dropped off enough wet canned food to last Remington a good long time.
Remington’s plight, Davis added, is yet another reminder of how many abandoned or abused animals are helped at the humane society. Donations from people are always welcome because the need to help animals is never-ending.
“We have several animals in our care right now and more coming around the corner,” Davis said. “Even though they may not reach celebrity status like Remington has, they each have their own story and could use your help if you are so inclined. If you’d like to help, we’d welcome your assistance. You could touch the life of another Remington in the future who may not be featured in the media. Designate your donation to our emergency medical fund and take comfort in knowing you’ll be helping an animal who needs more than the basic care at the Tri-County Humane Society.”
Donations can be dropped off at the humane society at 735 Eighth St. NE in St. Cloud or checks can be sent to Tri-County Humane Society, P.O. Box 701, St. Cloud, Minn. 56302.