3-month-old puppy found with two gunshot wounds, paralyzed in Sanford

A Sanford man was shocked to discover a 3-month-old puppy suffering with gunshot wounds in her back and shoulder last week in his garden.

The injured puppy was hiding in a flower bed – partially paralyzed, with a bullet lodged in her spinal cord.

The Good Samaritan brought the puppy, a shepherd mix, to the Lee County Animal Shelter last Friday. She was then taken to the Carolina Veterinary Hospital for surgery.

Dr. Julie Davis, who has been caring for the puppy, now named Gracey, said she believes the puppy had been suffering for about a week before she was found. Gracey, she says, likely dragged herself to the garden while injured.

Davis believes Gracey had a home because she was very healthy.

Although Gracey will never be able to use her hind legs again and will likely need to wear a diaper for the rest of her life, the vet says it's a miracle the bullets went in the way they did. If they had entered her any other way, it's possible Gracey would have died a very slow, painful death.

Fortunately, Gracey is alive – and despite her suffering, she's still wagging her tail and giving puppy kisses. Video shows her walking in her dog wheelchair, eagerly approaching other dogs and people for attention and playtime.

With the right forever home – and a patient, loving family – it's believed Gracey can have a good quality of life. The right fur-ever home would include someone who can be with her pretty much all day.

For now, Gracey will be going to Jack’s Furrytail Rescues in Durham, which is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) who shot Gracey.

Anyone who wants to adopt Gracey or help donate toward her future medical bills can reach out to Jack's Furrytail Rescues at 704-305-4538 or jacksfurrytailrescues@gmail.com.

Gracey's surgery has been fully paid for, but donations for future medical expenses will help.