Dog shot several times after giving birth to 11 pups; rescue group raising money
Jan 09, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Dog lovers are stepping up to help a dog shot several times after giving birth to 11 puppies.
The Streetdog Foundation said that since Monday, they've raised over $14,000 for the momma dog and her babies, and a generous donor has offered to match up to $15,000.
Kent and Melanie Pafford, who founded the Streetdog Foundation, said it's a miracle the dog is alive after being shot four times.
Wounded dog being treated at Grace Animal Hospital. WREG photo
Bullets still inside dog. Courtesy: Streetdog Foundation
One bullet went through the dog, and X-rays showed three more are still inside her body, but they did not hit any vital organs.
"At this point, we are hoping we won't have to operate that those will stabilize where they are, but one grazed the shoulder blade, causing bone fragments to travel," said Kent. "There was one in the back that came straight through the skin and out the other side and two more back in the shoulder. So, she took several direct hits."
Police said Sunday they received a call about an injured animal in the 5100 block of Aureen Drive in Southwest Memphis. They said a man at the residence told officers he shot the stray dog after it charged toward him, his wife, and his kids.
MPD has not said where they found the puppies, which were only a day old. The dogs are being treated at Grace Animal Hospital, where the Paffords have been giving them nearly around-the-clock care.
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"She has to feed overnight as well. Three times a night, we are able to get in her and rotate the puppies. At least three feeding cycles help get her outside and feed her more. She's eating ravenously at the moment while her body is trying to fuel her recovery," Kent said.
The Paffords said over the last 15 years, the Streetdog Foundation has taken in around 1,500 dogs, but this is the first time they've come to the rescue of a dog with gunshot wounds.
They said the volunteer-based group was already struggling, and they're grateful for the community support.
Dog nurses 11 pups after being shot. WREG photoDogs being treated at Grace Animal Hospital. WREG photoDog has three wounds. WREG photoCourtesy: Streetdog FoundationCourtesy: Streetdog FoundationWREG photoWREG photo
"We didn't have the budget for this, and this is going to be a big budget," said Melanie Pafford. "We appreciate everything and will need fosters for these pups."
The Streetdog Foundation would love to find someone who can foster the mom and all her puppies and is looking for forever homes for all of the dogs.
"They are well taken care of by the sweet momma now. I talk to her all the time and say, Momma, I don't know how you do it because you are in pain. I see it when she walks," Melanie said. As a mother with no one to help her, we are just glad she's here.'
For information on fostering or adopting a dog or donating to the Streetdog Foundation, click here.