A dog was injured in a shooting at a homeless encampment in Richmond early Monday, but thankfully a veterinary clinic in Marin County stepped up to treat the dog despite the owner’s inability to pay for the medical care, police said.
Officers responded to a report of the shooting early Monday and spoke with a resident of the encampment who reported hearing a gunshot outside of their tent. The person was not struck by the gunfire, but their dog, Hennessey, was hit by apparent gunfire in the stomach area.
Officers ran into roadblocks while calling several emergency veterenarians, as none could help without the ability to pay.
“Finally, they found the Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin,” the RPD said. “Although they weren’t located in our city or even our county, they were willing to offer treatment and probable surgery for poor Hennessey. They did this knowing Hennessey’s owner was unhoused and without the means to pay for the treatment.”
Officers transported Hennessey and her owner to Marin. “Once there, the staff sprung into action immediately, treating Hennessey,” police said.
Doctors say Hennessey is now stable and her prognosis looks good.
The RPD pointed out the wounded dog remained “sweet and affectionate to all the officers trying to help her, especially bonding with Officer Grivetti.”
Officers also stood by for several hours until Hennessey appeared stable.
“Although we have the training and resources to provide first aid for people, we don’t for animals,” police said, “In this challenging situation, we are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin for stepping up and helping an unhoused individual and Hennessey during their time of need. We would hate to think about what would have happened to poor Hennessey if they had not answered our call for help.”
