Owner of dog shot in Seattle needs your help

By Ray Lane & KOMO Staff
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SEATTLE -- Bondo has enjoyed better days.His owner, Paul Rosa, said the 8-year old Shepherd mix was nearly killed in the backyard of his Rainier Valley home around 12:30 a.m. Monday when someone pointed a gun through the fence and fired a single shot into the dog's chest.

"To hurt an innocent animal like that -- it's ridiculous," said Rosa. "It's stupid."

Rosa wondered how such a thing could happen. Bondo's bark could have startled the person, who then may have reached for a weapon instead of just walking along. Police have been called, but investigators said there isn't much they can do.

Whatever the case, an expensive surgery is needed to get the dog back on his feet.

X-rays show the bullet shattered into five pieces, splitting the bone in the dog's right front leg. On Tuesday a metal rod will be put into one of Bongo's legs to help repair the damage.

"It's a life. What am I supposed to do?" Rosa said. "I wish it wouldn't have happened. I wish that person had better judgment. He obviously didn't, and I'm stuck where I'm at."

Rosa said the prognosis is good for Bondo's recovery, but the procedure could cost more than $4,000 -- a hefty amount for a painter who has little work these days.

"I haven't worked in a month and a half. I paid my child support last month and I'm owing two months' rent right here," he said.

Family and friends are willing to help with donations, but Rosa doesn't know if it'll be enough.

"More than anything, I just want my dog healthy. I just want him back the way he was. Karma will get those people," Rosa said.

Rosa said he'll need to make $1,800 payment at the time of Bongo's surgery. Anyone who'd like to help pay for Bongo's medical costs can e-mail Rosa.

Photo courtesy of KOMO 4 News.