DURANGO - He had a rocky start, but things are looking up for 3-month-old Bow.
The Jack Russell terrier-shepherd mix was found in Shiprock, N.M., with a crossbow bolt sticking out of his hind leg. A call to the local Animal Protection Office got him the medical care he needed, as Bow was taken to the Farmington Animal Shelter, where the bolt was surgically removed.
"Once I heard about Bow, I knew it'd be an easy adoption, and we also want to help out the Farmington shelter as much as we can, since they're always full," said Chris Nelson, director of Animal Services at the La Plata County Humane Society.
Bow has spent some time in a foster home, where his leg was rehabilitated and he was socialized because he was understandably traumatized by the incident.
At this time, there are no current leads as to who shot Bow, who is becoming a bit of a media celebrity as several Denver television stations have requested information.
Bow will be available for adoption starting today, but he is far from alone. The Humane Society is bursting at the seams with dogs right now, including 14 puppies that came in Saturday and three litters that will be arriving next week, Nelson said.
"All the puppies make it more difficult for the older dogs to find homes," he said. "And I'd rather see them adopted locally than have to send some up to Boulder."
To learn more, stop by the La Plata County Humane Society, which is at 1111 South Camino del Rio next to Walmart, or call 259-2847.