A Northern California dog who was shot in the head during a robbery is now back home and expected to survive after a bullet that was lodged in his neck was removed during surgery.
The 5-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Ruger was shot last week during a robbery of the Carmichael, Calif., home of Eric Somers, Rugers owner.
The bullet missed Ruger's brain, but lodged in the dogs neck and fractured his larynx, making it difficult for him to breathe.
After rushing Ruger to a Sacramento Animal Medical Group pet hospital, Somers was told by medical staff that it would cost $3,000 for the surgery to save his dog. Not being able to afford the procedure, Somers and his wife agreed to have the dog euthanized.
But Lynda Rominger, DVM, Ruger's surgeon, specialist Chris Wong and other vet staff stepped in at the last minute to cover the cost so that Ruger could have a chance at living. It looks like the dog will make a strong recovery. He was back home on Tuesday.
According to KCRA-TV in Sacramento, the burglar did not have a chance to steal anything and left the house after shooting. The bullet is being used as evidence in the investigation.
Posted: April 19, 2006, 5 a.m. EST