Ranger’s Story:
In the early morning of April 23, 2026 two dogs were found abandoned at an intersection. Initial efforts by local police to contain the dogs were unsuccessful and a plan was made to return in the morning with additional resources.
A short time later an officer from a neighboring jurisdiction engaged with the dogs and fired a total of 16 times as they ran away in the opposite direction, killing one dog and critically injuring the other. The dogs were later named BD and Ranger, respectively by the women who rescued the surviving dog.
The surviving dog, Ranger suffered extensive injuries from being shot and endured 17 days alone in the woods before a team of three women found out about him and were able to trap him and bring him to safety on May 10th, 2026.
Ranger was emaciated, suffering from multiple wounds and extensive infection. He spent the next six weeks recovering at the local humane society receiving multiple surgical procedures and medications to stabilize his condition.
When Ranger was shot a bullet lodged in his left hip which affected the function of his hind leg. This led him to drag his leg causing infection and damage to his rear left paw, including a fractured toe. He has significant muscle atrophy to his rear left leg along with significant scarring to the left hip and foot, and a severe hip dysplasia to the affected left side.
A bullet and multiple pieces of shrapnel were removed from Ranger’s body though some shrapnel still remains as it is unable to be safely removed.
Additionally, due to the gunshot wound he suffered other internal injuries. His rectum was lacerated causing him to pass stool through the wounds on either side of his rectum. His right anal sac was severely damaged and he required surgical repair of his rectum.
Ranger has since been cleared for adoption and was brought home on June 25th 2026 by the women who rescued him.
He is still battling infection in his rectal area and is facing yet another surgery to remove the damaged anal sac(s). Due to the complexity of the injuries he sustained the surgery will need to be performed by a specialist board certified surgeon.
Due to the severity of Ranger’s hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy/ weakness from the gunshot injuries, he will need physical therapies and was recommended for a hip replacement in the future to help give him the best chance at a normal and pain free life.
Ranger did not deserve the hand he was dealt, but despite the unthinkable trauma he has lived through both physically and emotionally he remains full of life. He absolutely adores everyone he meets. He is the brightest ray of sunshine.
We are kindly asking for support from those in the community who feel inspired to help Ranger achieve maximum pain relief and healing. He deserves every ounce of love and support he can possibly receive.
If Ranger’s story has inspired you to want to help support him through his healing journey please consider making a donation towards his ongoing medical care.
Your support is appreciated beyond words. We owe it to Ranger to show him that despite the failures he’s endured there is an amazing community of people who will come together to support him— no matter what. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Ranger.
Ranger has started his own social media pages. Please follow him to stay updated on ‘Ranger The Resilient’s’ healing journey. We would love for his community to stay involved and cheer him on throughout his recovery and beyond.
Facebook: Ranger The Resilient
Instagram: @ranger.the.resilient
TikTok: Ranger.the.Resilient
Attached are a few links to local news stories containing body cam footage for fuller context from this horrific incident.
Trigger Warning: the footage is graphic
https://www.cbs58.com/news/investigation-underway-as-officer-shoots-16-times-at-two-abandoned-dogs-killing-one