Groups join forces to give dog another chance at life after being shot in the face

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A stray dog has another chance at life after Buckingham County Animal Control officers rescued him from the streets with a severe gunshot wound to the face.

They say "all dogs go to heaven" but, after a near death experience, this one -- "Dagney" -- is doing just fine at Goochland Animal Care and Protection. 8News visited the dog on his first full day of rest post-surgery. He wagged his tail ready for his new life.

Job Greene, Goochland Animal Care and Protection's Director recounted how Dagney ended up in their care.

"We received a call from neighboring Buckingham County where they had picked up a stray German Shepherd that had been shot and the dog required immediate attention," Greene recalled.

Buckingham County is a small, rural community in Central Virginia. The animal care needed help, so Goochland took him in. Dr. Lori Elliott, Goochland's Shelter Veterinarian, said Dagney has been a joy to work with.

"He seems to be just appreciative that people are taking care of him," Dr. Elliott said.

Suffering life-threatening injuries, Dagney needed urgent surgery.

"Our off duty employees contacted the "Tommie Fund" through Richmond Animal Care and Control, and they agreed to pay to have the surgery."

Along his journey to recovery, Dagney is also making history. His operation was the first surgery at Short Pump's new Virginia Veterinary Center.

His name means "new beginning" and that's exactly what he has. After his successful procedure, Dagney wore his post-operation cone proudly. Right above the tip of his nose, one could still see where the bullet pierced through his nose and jaw.

Goochland Pet Lovers is paying for his follow-up care as he continues to heal.

"He probably would not have survived," Elliott said. "He seems to be just appreciative that people are taking care of him."

He has his antibiotics, soft food and -- between Buckingham County, Goochland County Animal Care and Protection, Richmond Animal Care and Control and Goochland Pet Lovers -- his support system. He is not ready for adoption just yet, but finding his forever home is next on his to-do list. Stay tuned for when he is ready to meet his new family.

Because Dagney was a stray -- living out on his own on the streets of Buckingham County -- when animal control officers rescued him, the fight for justice could be difficult. 8News reached out to the Buckingham County Sheriff's Office to see if they have any leads.

This is a developing story.