Sonny, my 15 month old German Shepherd was shot by a neighbor for barking at his caged turkeys. Sonny got out when some workmen left an area of fence open, and he made his way across the street where a neighbor apparently raises turkeys. This fellow then shot our pup in the chest with a rifle and casually walked over to tell my wife in front of our three small children. Hysterical, she did locate Sonny crawling home and whisked him to Emergency Veterinary. He was transferred by ambulance to Dove Lewis Veterinary trauma center and remains in very critical condition. Sonny was my Iraq PTSD therapy dog of sorts, a gentle and sweet pup who didn't deserve this. Tonight alone, we put down 5000.00 to keep him alive and are quite extended. If he makes it through the next 24-48 hrs, he may come home. I need help with vet bills and an attorney to deal with this wanton and trigger-happy neighbor. Please help us if you can. Look for Sonny's story in the coming days on KOIN channel 6.



For us, we have seen just how cruel some people can be. I haven't seen that the sheriff has taken a great deal of interest yet either, even though we're talking about gunfire in a Sherwood residential neighborhood. And though we've only lived here a week, it's shocking to see just how careless people are about shooting in the city limits with no apparent consequences.

We both work very hard, and we will go to the ends of the earth for our furry child... And so, we also turn to you, whomever you are, for any help you can offer my devastated family and the vets working to save little Sonny. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I work at the banfield that sonny and Sonja go to and I was just heartbroken by this story, I was so glad when I went in to work this morning and saw the fax that sonny was able to go home. Your banfield family loves you and hopes for the speediest of recoveries!
I am so sorry. That is ridiculous!!!! We have a gf named Samantha. She is only a couple months younger than Your amazing Sonny. There is no way sonny was a threat to those stupid turkeys. We live here in sherwood. I have shared your story and this page in the sherwood community info page and the sherwood community forum page. I have also shared on my own profile. My family is outraged for your family right now. Is there anything else we can do for you? Guarantee the turkeys he has lost were because of coyotes. Sweet Sweet sonny we are thinking of you buddy.
Does he have the proper zoning/permits, etc. to raise turkeys on that property?
Coming from someone who has a Therapy Dog If anyone, i mean anyone, hurt my Lucy i wouldn't think twice about doing the same to that person! My prayers to you and your family and beautiful little Sonny!
Send me the guys address...it will be done.
I am so happy Sonny is home. Please put up a fence for him so he doesn't wander into the neighbors yard again or he will get shot again. we no longer live in a civilized country sadly. thank you also for going the extra mile to save your family member
I'm so very sorry about what happened to poor Sonny. I hope he gets well soon. Dogs can be really resilient. I cannot believe the response from one of the commenter. He had no right to attack you like that. I also hope that you get justice for Sonny. Unfortunately, that's not likely to happen in that area of Oregon. Best wishes to you and your family. Get well soon
I donated because I too, have a service dog (pictured with me) who has escaped when workers left my gate open. Fortunately, my neighbors are sane, and just brought him back to me. My dog is literally worth the price of 1,000 turkeys and has saved my life more than once. These animals are not easily replaced. I pray that Sonny recovers quickly and you find justice for this heinous act against your family member. Thank you for your service!
Thank you all. And thank you very much Mrs Espinoza. All the publicity we can get helps. Sonny's care is hovering around $7000.00 through tomorrow. We're so blessed at all the help that has come in so far. We love you all!
http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/609.150 According to this code, your neighbor should be arrested for violating it.
I feel so angry and hertbroken... And I just hope for a full recovery for Sonny ! You have all my love from the other side of the ocean !
I'm so sorry to hear what happened to Sonny. I hope he pulls through! My 2 dogs are my 4 legged kids, I would be devastated if that happened to them. Positive vibes and love to Sonny from California. ♡♡♡
I'd like to donate some but not on here as gofundme takes portion of money
Sonny is hanging in there. They gave him a medication to bring down the brain swelling which is helping his blood pressure. He is having some major respiratory straining trying to regulate his breathing. The bullet went through both lungs and so oxygen is leaking into his chest cavity but they are confident that that drain is slowing. They're exploring his esophagus for punctures and think that maybe the bullet scathed the spinal cord. Much progress to be made but our sweet guy is holding steady. I'll update when I know more.
As a Gun Owner and NRA Member it is high time that to end the Free-For-All that Farmers have enjoyed when dealing with their Neighbor's Pets.
+check this out http://oregondoglife.com/2016/07/02/vet-therapy-dog-shot-by-neighbor-for-scaring-turkeys/
He looks so much better. I cannot wait to see him on Sunday! I love him so much and he is a great friend!!!
Any updates on this guy? What is his prognosis? I'm heartbroken for you and your family. We are a family of dog lovers.
What a beautiful family you have, Sonny !! I am so happy your recovery goes well!!!!
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