NILES Dog shot while on porch makes amazing recovery

One bullet missed Snoopy's spinal cord by less than an inch.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Snoopy's soft, brown eyes stared up at Dr. Sukhbir Singh as the veterinarian slowly clipped away the stitches from his snout.
After three weeks of surgeries, medication and recovery, the 2-year-old black Labrador is doing well and ready to get back to his old ways.
Snoopy was on his owner's Woodbine Southeast, Warren, porch Sept. 29 when someone came up to him around 11:45 p.m. and shot him twice -- once in the right hindquarter and once in the snout.
Wednesday afternoon, Snoopy was in Dr. Singh's office at the Animal Medical Care Center and Cat Hospital on U.S. Route 422 in Niles getting the last physical signs of the traumatic event removed.
"Once that hair grows back, no one will ever know," Singh said as he brushed away tiny pieces of thread from Snoopy's face. "The recovery is phenomenal. I am so pleased."
Christine Kuntz and Martin McQuaide, Snoopy's owners, said the dog's disposition has changed little since the night he was shot and his spirits have always stayed high.
"He's a little more aggressive toward strangers now," McQuaide said. "He just barks a little more."
Kuntz said the help the family and Snoopy have received throughout the ordeal has been amazing.
Donations to cover medical expenses total about $2,000, and people are stopping by the house to check on how the dog is doing.
"And the people here [at the vet's office] were great," she noted. "They were the only ones in the whole phone book who would help take care of Snoopy."
Group effort
Singh said his associate, Dr. Bimla Laura, was the one who initially stabilized Snoopy the night of the shooting and since then, all staff members have chipped in to help in the recovery process. Singh noted Snoopy was one lucky pup.
The shot to his back, which left a trail 6 inches long before exiting, missed his spinal cord by less than an inch; the shot to his snout did no damage to Snoopy's palate, and it appears he will regain as much as 90 percent function of his nose.
"He's just been a wonderful patient," Singh said.
As Singh gives Snoopy a few minutes to recover from the sedatives, Kuntz's 2-year-old son, Edwin, tries to tug on Snoopy's leash.
"Want to take Snoopy home now," the toddler says, as his mother tells him they need to wait just a little longer.
While the worst part is over, Kuntz said, the family still wants those responsible to be found.
Anyone with information may contact the Warren Police Department, and those who wish to make donations toward Snoopy's care may call the Animal Care Medical Center at (330) 652-0400.
slshaulis@vindy.com