Dog found shot in face in Flagler finds fur-ever family after months of recovery

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A dog who was shot in the face in April has started a new chapter with a new fur-ever family.

A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employee, who was working the day Rocky was shot, welcomed Rocky into his family.

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Deputies said his family has been looking for another dog and when he saw pictures of Rocky, he fell in love.

“All the vets said he was a sweet dog and he’d make a full recovery,” his adopter said. “They needed someone to foster him immediately when he was released from the vet following surgery, so he wouldn’t have to go to the shelter. We agreed to take him right away.”

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Rocky’s story began on April 2, when deputies responded to a Seaman Trail East home after several people heard dogs barking and crying before hearing gunfire.

Detectives said Jamier Lee shot the dog, Rocky, in the snout and left him in a kennel in a bedroom.

Detectives said Lee told them he woke up to a relative screaming at his dog, who had bitten her.

Lee said he jumped out of bed, retrieved a gun, picked up the dog, walked outside and shot the dog once in the head, detectives said.

“He then dragged the dog back inside, locked it in the kennel and attempted to clean the bloody patio to prevent anyone from knowing what happened,” said Melissa Morreale, a Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

The bullet went through Rocky’s snout, bottom lip, into his neck and shoulder area, and through his left front leg. Rocky received staples in his snout, a drain in his neck, a metal pin in his leg and numerous stitches.

Now, after five weeks of healing and being with his new family, he’s officially been adopted and is on his way to making a full recovery.

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“He’s able to put weight on his leg now, but still hops when he tries to move quickly,” his adopter said. “He’s very playful, loves his toys, is great with our other dog and loves everyone he meets. He’s never even growled at us, unlike his previous family claimed. A little love goes a long way.”

“He’s able to put weight on his leg now, but still hops when he tries to move quickly,” his adopter said. “He’s very playful, loves his toys, is great with our other dog, and loves everyone he meets. He’s never even growled at us, unlike his previous family claimed. A little love goes a long way!”

Deputies said Rocky is enjoying his new home, enjoys playing in his new yard and loves car rides.

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“I’m glad to see this innocent animal is recovering and thriving,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This poor animal has had a rough start to life, suffering abuse no animal should go through. His story touched the hearts of many in the community and I’m thrilled to see his progress. Thank you to all the personnel involved in his rescue and to our employee for giving him the second chance he deserves.”

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