MISSTY MAY LOSE HER LEG

Dog shot by police now recovering from surgery

A crowdfunding campaign has helped the owner of a dog shot by police deal with the financial burden of vet bills, but his beloved pet may still have to have her leg removed.

Missty, recovering from surgery, is now staying at home with her owner Lance Murphy, but she is still in a great deal of pain. She can only limp briefly before having to lie down, and needs to be held up in a harness when relieving herself outside.

“It just breaks our heart like every time we see her,” said Lucas, Murphy’s son, in an interview Friday.

Murphy had taken his two dogs to a field near Rambler Park on Aug. 15 when a police officer approached to tell him to take the dogs away because of a canine unit training exercise.

According to the Regina Police Service (RPS), the officer shot Missty when she began approaching him. Police said the officer felt Missty, who was unleashed, posed “an immediate danger,” although Murphy has disputed that version, saying the dog had a ball in its mouth and was not menacing.

Missty underwent reconstructive surgery on her shoulder Tuesday. External rods and pins were inserted to hold it in place until it heals.

Lucas said they were told by a vet that Missty’s right front leg may yet have to be amputated. She has no feeling or movement in that paw.

To help his father with the cost of Missty ’s vet bills, Lucas’ girlfriend created a Gofundme page. In 72 hours, the campaign raised more than $6,000. Donations came in from all over the world, including Argentina and Australia.

Lucas believes the funds will be enough to cover Missty’s care and rehabilitation costs.

“My dad pretty much broke down in tears today when we told him that it hit the target. He just couldn’t believe that it happened so quick,” said Lucas.

The incident has been a mentally exhausting ordeal for Lucas’ father, who uses a cane to aid his mobility.

“My dad’s always been this tough guy you know. Growing up I’ve never seen my dad cry in my entire life, and for him to have the emotions that he’s been having for the last week and a half definitely breaks my heart,” said Lucas.