A young dog that was shot in the face near his home in Missouri is starting to recover since being taken in by a Libertyville rescue. Black Bear – or Blackie as he’s now known - is settling into foster care with Placing Paws Rescue since arriving here on January 10 and receiving surgery and much needed medical care.
Blackie’s story
Black Bear’s family let him out to roam on the morning of January 8. When he returned home around noon, it was discovered that he’d been shot in the face. They took him into their vet and relinquished him to rescue the next day. Placing Paws Rescue traveled to Sikeston on January 10 to welcome him into their rescue. He’s now settling in and starting his recovery in foster care.
"Blackie is doing awesome. We let him sleep out of his kennel, he ended up sleeping right in front of his kennel on his blanket,” says his foster mom Becky. “He is so mellow, he just wants to rest his head on your lap. Cooper and him have tried to play outside, but that was quickly stopped.”
Cooper is their family dog that is helping Blackie become accustomed to his foster home. Blackie is a young dog, but must limit his playtime while he’s recovering from his injuries and surgery. He’s doing great with Cooper and the family’s young son and has even permitting a few belly rubs since he’s been given more freedom in his foster home.
His injuries
That is great news considering the extent of the injuries and the surgery he’s been through to date. Blackie is under the care of the orthopedic specialist at AETC in Grayslake. The gunshot inflicted extensive trauma and damage to the tissue and bone of the lower jaw.
The left side of his lower jaw is no longer there because it was blown off by the bullet. According the organization, the surgeon removed the remaining pieces and fragments of the bone, essentially sawing down the middle of his jaw, removing and cleaning up the bone along with the damaged tissue. His tongue was also damaged and his salivary glands were blown off and the surgeon had to open new ducts.
Donations needed
Now Placing Paws needs our help. The organization is in need of donations to help pay for Blackie’s veterinary care and any therapy and additional medical care he’ll need during his recovery. Go online to donate and learn more about Blackie and the organization. The rescue is also providing daily updates on a special Facebook page for Blackie as well.
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