A determined puppy has made a “remarkable” recovery after being shot at least 18 times with a BB gun.
Brody, a 6-week-old Labrador mix, was rushed to an animal hospital Sunday after a passer-by in Rock Hill, South Carolina, spotted him “bleeding heavily” from multiple wounds, WSOC-TV reported.
The man informed police that he’d seen a group of 15 to 20 teenagers playing with the puppy minutes before outside an apartment complex.
Veterinarians at Ebenezer Animal Hospital found 18 BBs lodged under little Brody’s skin and muscle. They also discovered that he was suffering from a number of intestinal parasites.
Police officers have since arrested two teenagers in connection with the brutal attack, charging them with shooting the puppy 18 times with a BB gun and throwing a knife at him.
Both teens, 14 and 17, could face “between 180 days and five years behind bars,” according to WBTV, as well as a $5,000 fine.
Because Brody is so young, doctors decided against using anesthesia to remove the pellets, which are not in any major organs.
“He’s really young, so he has a remarkable ability to heal at his age. Brody may be able to live a healthy normal life with all those BBs in him,” clinic co-owner April Sprawn said.
Since Brody’s arrival, hundreds of animal lovers have contacted the clinic, all wanting to give him a new home.
The latest update on the clinic’s official Facebook page reads: “His new family includes a little girl who recently lost her lifelong doggy best friend, and they are excited to welcome Brody into their family. We are thrilled to be able to watch him grow into an amazing dog!”