Homeless Dog From Beirut Shot In Face, Helped By MSPCA

MASSACHUSETTS—A stray dog in Beirut, Lebanon, is lucky to have found his way to the United States, where the animal, who had been shot in the face at close range, was able to receive treatment.

Volunteers from Animals Lebanon rescued the dog, later named Luke, and he was flown to the United State on Jan. 31, where he was taken in by Sweet Paws Rescue in Groveland.

The Sweet Paws Rescue team was advised from area veterinarians about how best to repair the extensive damage to the two-year-old dog's face and ultimately sought out Dr. Mike Pavletic, head of surgery at the MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Center.

Luke was evaluated last week by Pavletic and his team.

"It appears he was shot at close range with ammunition similar to buckshot because there was so much damage to his skull and face-I'm astounded that he even survived," said Dr. Pavletic, who noted in the statement that Luke has been breathing through a hole in his snout because his nasal passages were seared closed by the blast."The surgery that we performed yesterday was a success in that we've repaired the damage to his face, which will help him breathe and eat comfortably for the rest of his life."

Pavletic is known internationally for his pioneering work in reconstructive surgery-and most recently for creating a new nose for a former street cat named "Nigel"

Luke is expected to leave Angell on Wednesday so Sweet Paws Rescue can settle him into a temporary foster home, where he will recover from the procedure.

"The next step for Luke is to find his forever home," said Cynthia Sweet, founder, Sweet Paws Rescue, who added in her statement that the rescue has plans to take in 10 more homeless dogs from Beirut later in March.

Luke's surgery is likely to cost nearly $2,000 and Sweet Paws Rescue has issued an appeal to donors to help cover the cost. Anyone who wishes to contribute toward Luke's care can do so.

Photos via MSPCA