Life-Saving Veterinarian Adopting Dog Who Was Shot in the Face

A puppy considered a poor candidate for adoption after being shot in the face is being adopted by a veterinarian who helped save her life.

Montgomery County Police received a report of a family dog shot by a family member in Wheaton, Maryland, just before noon Aug. 21.

Ruby, a 9-month-old boxer mix, was struggling to breathe and was losing a lot of blood when police arrived. Someone shot the left side of her face and shoulder with a shotgun, police said.

Just some of Ruby's injuries.

Police rushed her to Kindness Animal Hospital, where Dr. Jeff Zolkiewicz began life-saving measures. Ruby is improving after several surgeries but has more procedures ahead of her, police said.

"Dr. Zolkiewicz has made it his mission to save this dog," one of his colleagues told police.

And as Ruby’s injuries, appearance and possible need for special care in the future, make her an unlikely dog for adoption, Zolkiewicz plans to keep her himself. He has already covered the costs for her surgeries. Police who responded to the shooting are collecting money to help.

Ruby with Fourth District officers who responded to the call

The shooting remains under investigation.

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