Gertie, help after being shot

Monsters are real. They live among us and we pass them every day without knowing. Sadly, we see the worst in humans almost daily in dealing with neglected animals. Yesterday, we cried for Gertie as we learned more of the years of neglect she suffered.

Gertie was recently transferred to Blue Pearl to complete a CT scan and perform part 1 of a double TECA (Total Ear Canal Ablation) surgery. The pain in her mouth had started to affect Gertie more and more, as the badly infected wound on her cheek healed. The attending vet at Vergi was concerned with Gertie's new pain and suggested a CT scan prior to surgery. There is no way that we could have been prepared for the news we received next.

The CT scan revealed a bullet fragment lodged in Gertie's jawbone.

Yes, a bullet fragment. Someone shot our sweet Gertie in the face. Not once, but twice. This is not one of the usual pellets that we see in so many of our dogs, but a larger bullet fragment from a handgun.

The damage to her eye is also consistent with a gunshot wound. The bullet lodged in her jawbone cannot be removed, but has shattered all of her back teeth, which will need to be removed. It's likely that Gertie will develop arthritis in her jaw as she continues to age and will need to be on a soft food diet until further notice.

Along with the CT scan, Gertie's first ear surgery was completed. The specialist stated that it is one of the worst cases he has ever seen. The second ear will be completed in two weeks. A photo of the ablated tissue from her ear canal is included. Gertie will be able to hear much better now that it’s removed!

We are estimating that Gertie's total vet bill will cost us roughly $11,000 - $15,000 at a minimum, including the care she has already received and her ear surgeries.

We are beside ourselves with this news. We have been fighting for Gertie this entire time, thinking that this sweet old girl was attacked by another dog. This is our worst nightmare. It could have been so much worse for Gertie, and we are so happy that this sweet, loving dog is alive. It's simply amazing that Gertie is still able to trust after the unspeakable things she has suffered at the hands of humans. Gertie needs us now more than ever. We desperately need funds to cover her medical bills. Please help us share her story.

#TeamGertie #stopbackyardbreeding #endpuppymills#pmad