Despite what anyone thinks, pet lovers would always consider animals as an integral part of their family. Whether it’s a cat, dog, or even fish – it doesn’t matter. They’ll be loved regardless, but we have to admit that canines are a popular choice, mainly since there are different breeds to choose from. After all, each has such a distinct look to them too.
Yet, how would a person react if they come across a dog that looks out of the ordinary? At first glance, you wouldn't notice what's wrong with the pet. In fact, the owner missed it too! However, as you look closer, you'll see something that will leave you in tears.
More than Just a Pet
One woman from Indiana named Hayden Howard always dreamed of having her own dog, but she knew adopting an animal is a significant decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. It’s like bringing in a new member of the family in an already crowded household! Aside from that, additional expenses would also incur if there’s a pet around.
Still, she shoved these doubts aside and got herself an adorable English Mastiff pup. One look at its warm brown eyes and Hayden knew she made the right decision. She decided to name him Jackson and couldn’t wait to start a new chapter of her life with him, but the future was not what she had hoped.
A Warm Welcome
Like any excited pet owner, Hayden immediately brought Jackson home to her family and watched as they welcomed him with lots of hugs and kisses. It’s been years since they’ve longed for a dog, so everyone was happy they finally had their own pooch to spoil.
Jackson was just as happy and played with Hayden’s kids as if they’ve known each other for years. All was going well until Hayden noticed her new pup looked rather different from when he initially arrived. It wasn't about his size or face; instead, his fur looked odd as it had mysterious markings everywhere. Was Jackson suffering from a skin disease?
Family Above All Else
Hayden believed nothing was more important in this world than family. As such, she does her best to let her kids experience every possible milestone they could have, including having a dog for the first time. Having two children who could share the responsibility made it an easier decision for Hayden to get one too.
Truly, Jackson’s presence meant they had a new baby to cuddle, especially when he was so tiny upon arrival. Watching the mutt grow became the Howard brood’s favorite pastime as a full-grown English Mastiff would weigh a hundred kilograms at most. As such, they often wondered if he’d reach the typical mastiff size as predicted.
Growing Bigger By the Day
As time went by, it's clear Jackson was bound to be one colossal dog, judging by how much food he can put away every meal. He ate whatever was served on the plate without leaving a morsel to spare too! With such a healthy and happy disposition, Jackson developed a playful and fun-loving personality. The pooch found joy in prancing around the house, knocking things over.
Everyone who met Jackson enjoyed his company so much that even Hayden’s neighbors didn’t mind if he visited their lawn! Naturally, the Howards were proud to have a wonderful dog! Little did they know someone didn’t feel the same way toward their canine.
The First Signs
Saturdays were typically busy days at the Howard household. The kids attended to various activities while the adults finished some errands. Of course, they all wanted to spend time together after a long day of playing outdoors, so they looked forward to relaxing in each other’s company.
Jackson didn’t want to be left out and plopped himself next to Hayden. The owner smiled and hugged her pup close, stroking his hair in the process. Yet something was amiss about Jackson’s fur texture – it felt patchy in random areas of the abdomen. Alarmed, Hayden took a closer look, but she couldn’t figure what it was.
Spots Appearing
An English Mastiff has a chunky body built, so cuddling one can be quite a stress-reliever. Hayden, in particular, adored nuzzling Jackson’s glossy fur and laying on his tummy. His cream coat was so silky that it was almost impossible to resist petting him as he passed by!
So, imagine Hayden’s surprise when her precious canine’s coat changed all of a sudden. Not only did it look dry, but now it had lumpy bumps, especially in the chest area. Why was Jackson turning into a spotted dog? Hayden was so confused since she knew their pet was bathed regularly. Was she missing something?
Uneasy Feelings
Hayden continued to inspect Jackson's body, and by now, the pup began to tense up. It seems he wasn't too happy the patchy spots were being caressed! Little by little, Jackson carefully moved away from his owner and placed his head on her lap instead.
It’s not like the dog didn't like to be touched; he just preferred Hayden did so without feeling uneasy. Meanwhile, Hayden went on to shower Jackson with affection and didn't think much of it. Perhaps the pooch was just not in the mood today! Yet, at the back of Hayden’s mind, she couldn’t shake off the idea that something was wrong with Jackson.
Could It Be the Weather?
Dogs, in general, aren't big fans of heat, so there's a chance Jackson's odd behavior was caused by the weather. Summer was just around the corner, and since he was a chunky mutt, his torso gets warm rather quickly. It's likely this was a case of dehydration that resulted in his body overheating too.
The Howard brood was playing the whole afternoon outdoors, running in circles around the yard. Since shrubbery was in the area, perhaps Jackson nicked his fur in some spiky plant, which resulted in punctures in the skin. Or what if it's some form of pollen allergy? Whatever it was, Hayden hoped she'll find the answer soon.
Almost Back to Normal
It’s been days since Hayden first took note of Jackson’s obscure behavior. She assumed all was back to normal since the pup resumed being active around the house, playing with the kids every chance possible. In fact, anyone who’d look at Jackson wouldn’t even think something was wrong with him.
Perhaps, it was truly just a case of flea bites and nothing more. Jackson seemed livelier, looking like his usual best self sans any injury. Hayden kept her fingers crossed that her cherished pet was in perfect physical condition, just like when they first got him.
It Could Be Other Bugs
Being constantly outdoors would subject anyone not only to unstable weather conditions but to certain creatures as well. Creepy crawlies like ants and ticks easily find their way within a dog’s fur, especially if the animal rolls around the ground almost every minute!
It's also worth noting that the season brings about other bugs like bees and wasps. Based on the appearance of Jackson's patchy coat, it's likely he was stung by a bee swarm! Hayden was horrified at this thought, considering bee venom is poisonous even to humans, so how much more to a dog! Still, the confused pet owner couldn't pinpoint the true cause of Jackson’s predicament.
Sticking On
Caring for a dog like Jackson required extra effort on Hayden’s part since he was quite large in size. She provided him with the best dog food and veterinary care available, plus a weekly bath to keep his coat soft to touch.
With that in mind, Hayden grew even more worried for Jackson since the spots on his torso never went away. In fact, it seems they've multiplied over the past few days! Right now, she can only assume this was some sort of infestation, so she figured it's only appropriate to contact the local vet. Would this finally give Hayden the answer she's looking for?
Seeing Red Patches
Spotty fur or not, Jackson remained to be a handsome pet who loitered on the yard with much glee. It was heartwarming to see him sniff around the bushes, chasing squirrels and going after sticks. Sure enough, he looked like any other contented dog in the neighborhood!
The lovable pup didn't even bother to pause to scratch an itch, a testament to how well Hayden took care of his pelt. Unfortunately, her suspicions were aroused once again after noticing Jackson's spotty torso began bleeding out of nowhere. It wasn’t anything one would call severe, but it's tinged Jackson's cream-colored coat reddish in some areas!
Visiting the Animal Doctor
The Howard clan were genuinely baffled at the situation since Jackson wasn't supposed to have bloody spots in his body. Its mysterious appearance became a topic of discussion at home, and everyone looked forward to his visit to the doctor come Monday morning. The sooner Jackson was checked, the faster his treatment will begin.
Upon seeing Jackson’s bleeding spots, Hayden realized it was indeed time to have her dearest mutt checked thoroughly by the vet. Tick infestations aren’t usually like this, so it must be something more severe. Would Jackson’s hair ever be restored to its former state?
The First Check-Up
Much like any loving fur mom, Hayden researched for a vet that was highly recommended by other animal owners. She didn’t have to look anywhere far, though, as the trusty Dr. Steve Sunbury topped her list of preferred physicians. The doctor’s impeccable reputation preceded him, so Hayden was confident he could help Jackson easily.
Upon careful inspection, the doctor figured this was likely a case of insect infestation, just as Hayden suspected. The tell-tale signs were present in Jackson's body, adding the fact that he was an outdoor dog. They assumed this was the answer to the mystery until the vet's expression turned horrific after drawing his face closer.
Finding the Diagnosis
A thorough physical exam is a quintessential requirement if one needs to determine why someone is sick. Doctors do this on a regular basis so they can come up with a suitable treatment plan, but that doesn't mean they're always right firsthand. In Jackson's case, the vet thought his fur was covered in ticks, yet he proved himself wrong after another check.
In order to have ample evidence, Dr. Sunbury asked if Hayden would agree to have Jackson's coat removed. Not in all areas, of course, but enough to expose the holes in his abdomen. At this point, the worried fur mom didn't have any choice but to agree!
The Truth Is Revealed
Truthfully, Dr. Sunbury was glad Hayden was cooperative with his suggestions, even if it meant Jackson would look a bit odd. After all, they were on the same page about finding the cure for his lumpy wounds! Once they were ready, the vet grabbed some hair clippers and traced Jackson’s spots, carefully avoiding the tiny reddish marks.
Once all the fur was removed, and the doctor was astonished to find that Jackson’s poor torso was covered in holes! It wasn’t just one or two wounds, but multiple punctures obviously caused by someone who meant him harm. Was this another case of animal abuse?
In Utter Disbelief
Several reports have been around town on animal abuse, but the vet has never seen one like Jackson's case. The poor creature didn’t look distressed, but his body said otherwise. Hayden was choked up in tears and couldn't believe she didn't realize her pet was in pain for so long.
It was truly heartbreaking to see an animal suffer in silence. Plus, the question persists as to why a person would do such a thing to a helpless dog? She couldn’t fathom the thought of anyone at home hurting dear Jackson, especially her two children. If that was the case, then it must be a stranger behind all this.
Trying to Uncover the Truth
Dr. Sunbury wasted no time and proceeded to administer several diagnostic tests to make sure the wounds weren’t infected. Luckily for everyone, Jackson was a well-behaved pup who sat very still while his blood was drawn – he didn't even flinch when the needle poked his reddish skin!
Due to the case's sensitive nature, the vet requested to have the lab test prioritized so that they can come up with a treatment plan. True enough, no one could’ve expected Hayden and Jackson would end up spending the entire day at the animal doctor’s office.
Unveiling the Cause
Vets are no stranger to handling different animal problems – from broken bones to internal injuries. As such, they have no qualms talking to the pet owners whenever issues needed to be discussed. Nevertheless, Jackson's situation was quite unique, which is why Dr. Sunbury had some apprehensions about how to deliver the news.
Diagnostic exams don't lie. Based on the results, this was not a simple case of tick infestation. The holes were, in fact, caused by BB pellets, which means someone intentionally shot Jackson several times for the past few days! Hayden sat there aghast while listening to the doctor – would her pet ever be safe again?
What Could’ve Happened
It's sad to think how Jackson was clueless about what was happening right now. He just minded his own business, playing around the garden with the kids as any dog should! What if the little ones were hit by the BB pellets as well?
Hayden was terrified at the notion, especially after seeing Jackson’s multiple injuries. Was someone out to get Hayden and her family? She tried to come up with all probable reasons a person would resort to violence but to no avail. There was no excuse for what happened to Jackson – Hayden vowed to find the culprit fast.
Learning More About BB Pellets
What happened to Jackson was truly unfortunate, and one can easily assume other animals probably suffered the same fate. Sadly, the mutt remains oblivious to how what happened could’ve been worse, especially since he doesn’t look like a dog abused with BB pellets.
Nowadays, having both real and toy w**pons inside a home is fairly common, which is why there has been an increase in incident reports connected to them. Some are minor, like skin bruising, while there are those who were inflicted with many serious wounds leading to fatal circumstances. Honestly, the Howards didn't want to let the perpetrator get away with this horrible crime for Jackson's sake.
Widely and Readily Available
Despite all the harm these BB pellets bring, anyone can readily purchase one anytime at a local shopping center. Other stores even keep them in the toy section, an act that has left other people outraged. With its popularity rising, various types of BB toys are now available, primarily since customers of all ages enjoy playing with them as a hobby.
Whoever decided to shoot Jackson surely had the same affinity for the activity. He didn’t think twice about hurting the animal since he believed it was all a game when it was an act of animal cruelty. Would Hayden ever determine who was behind this horrendous act?
Examining Jackson’s Body
Being an English Mastiff meant that Jackson had a great balance of fat and muscle, accentuated with his rich cream fur. Unfortunately, all that changed after he was attacked with BB pellets. Strangers would probably assume he was some mixed breed animal at first glance since Jackson wasn’t like other dogs!
Dr. Sunbury divulged some delicate parts of Jackson’s body weren’t spared from the pellets, particularly in the stomach, ears, and knees. The worst puncture of all was the one nearest to his eye. One centimeter more, and it would've resulted in blindness!
Feelings of Guilt
The situation would've been a lot different if Hayden didn't act right away and advocated for her dog's health. Now, they're able to address whatever medical issue Jackson was facing, and he'll be on the road to recovery before she knows it.
Hayden felt extremely guilty for not catching this sooner at the back of her mind, which is why she hoped Jackson would get back to in shape really quickly. Lucky for her, Dr. Sunbury was transparent about his treatment plan, which primarily involved surgery to remove all pellets. Would Jackson be able to withstand this procedure?
Surgery Day Has Arrived
Fur moms treat their canines like their own kids. So, when Hayden learned about Jackson’s upcoming surgery, she couldn’t help but feel anxious. She tried to calm herself and kept in mind that it wasn’t a major procedure, although there's still a risk of developing an infection while inside the operating room.
Inside, Dr. Sunbury began to work on Jackson’s puncture wounds, removing every last bit of debris and bloody crust around the area. It took several hours before the operation was done with much success. Overall, the vet removed about 21 BB pellets from Jackson’s body!
More Surprises Coming
Without batting an eye, Dr. Sunbury persevered and resumed to check every inch of Jackson’s head down to his tail as he wanted to ensure even the smallest fragments were extracted. It was a tedious but necessary task. Sure enough, he found seven more pellets in some hard-to-reach areas!
On the other hand, Hayden did her best to wait patiently and prayed for a positive outcome. She also racked her mind who Jackson’s shooter could be. If it happened nearby, then it might have been a neighbor or someone who frequented the area. Did Hayden offend someone and used Jackson as a way to get revenge?
Celebrating A Successful Operation
It took some great deal of effort, but Jackson was finally out of the woods. The pellet removal surgery was a great success – Hayden could now breathe a sigh of relief. In total, the vet realized Jackson likely had been shot around sixty times. The bullets ricocheted around the pooch's body based on how the injuries were positioned, thus the numerous bruises.
Despite the end result, Dr. Sunbury guessed Jackson had some internal injuries that needed further checking. Most of the bullets removed were only lodged in the superficial areas of the skin. Once everything is sorted out, they’ll have all the evidence needed to arrest whoever hurt Jackson.
Asking for Help
Never in Hayden’s wildest dreams did she expect she’d call for the police’s help at some point in her life. She and her family did their part to be considered good citizens, so it was always the last thing on their minds. Well, that didn’t matter now since their love for their pet was more important.
The Howard family then called the Seymour Police Department to assist, relaying everything they know about the attack. Hayden remained optimistic that the investigation would be underway so Jackson will have the justice he deserved.
Animal Abuse Reports
Most of the time, police receive complaints and requests for assistance almost daily. It can vary from domestic issues to actual terrible crimes. Yet, animal abuse cases aren’t thrust to the side since they’re equally as terrifying. As soon as the townsfolk learned about Jackson’s state, everyone was abuzz about who the perpetrator could be.
The authorities initially decided to investigate the Howard home, trying to see which areas the shooting incident could have happened. Amazingly, it only took a few days before the police found some leads. Was it going to resolve this quickly? Hayden anticipated the answer would reveal itself sooner.
Gathering More Evidence
The police department employed several investigators to look around the Howard home, and as expected, they found pieces of BB pellets scattered around the yard. Did the stranger do this vile act from afar? That would be the only way they’d be able to hurt Jackson without being seen.
As they checked nearby, they came across a tree with several bullet casings. They figured the culprit must have fired from behind the bark or at least beside it. Why would anyone go through so much effort just to hurt a defenseless animal like Jackson? He couldn’t have done anything to irk other people, seeing he was a sweet animal.
The Trail of Clues
It was only a matter of time before the investigators would crack this case, which is why it was critical to follow the clues while the trail remained fresh. Who knows, someone might come and clean the area, removing other traces of evidence in the process!
Following their initial hunch, Hayden and the police followed the angle from where the ammunition was fired. Their hunt eventually led them to a house, which was perfectly aligned to the tree’s location. Now more than ever, it was crucial to confront the owner and know the truth once and for all.
No False Hopes
Naturally, the police couldn't just barge in and demand to search the house to look for BB pellets. They needed to plan this investigation carefully, or else it might be all a waste. Hayden understands the situation, but she also wanted justice to be served.
Still, they decided to secure a search warrant and returned to the house, ready to face the first suspect. The officer knocked several times before a man named Tim Woodward opened the door. He was taken aback by their presence, asking if there was any problem. Would this man be honest enough to admit the truth?
Much-Needed Interview
Even the authorities need some sort of permission if they want to go inside a person’s house uninvited. Anyone would feel anxious being interviewed, so they decided to be extra cautious in case Mr. Woodward suddenly made a run for it. Hayden didn’t want to spoil the investigation as well and kept mum while the cops did their job.
Interestingly, Mr. Woodward wasn't as defensive as they expected. He was pretty cooperative and responded to the questions, including about his ownership of a BB cannon. This was the primary concern as his records indicated this wasn't his first time to be probed like this. If only he would confess soon!
Wondering About Reasons
Hayden didn’t want other animals to suffer the same injuries as her darling Jackson, so she took this inquest quite seriously. That four-legged creature was her family’s ray of sunshine, making everyone giggle with his flamboyant personality. It’s only right his owner would be out to campaign for his well-being!
Who was this Tim Woodward, and was he really the person who shot Jackson? Despite living remotely close, the entire Howard brood has never met him, let alone do something offensive that would make him hurt the dog. Perhaps this was all a mix-up, and the real criminal was on the loose!
Crying for Justice
Everyone in the neighborhood loved to play with Jackson, so learning about his abuse alarmed everyone in the area. The Howard children were particularly affected by what happened since they were the ones who took Jackson outside every day. When asked whether they’ve seen Tim in the area, they shook their heads no.
Hayden could only guess that perhaps Tim only recently moved in and was probably innocent. Was he a victim of circumstance as his house’s direction was near the crime scene? Despite the harrowing evidence, it wasn’t substantial enough to convict Tim. What could Hayden do now?
Solid Proof Required
By now, the investigation reached a standstill as no other suspects came into play but Tim Woodward. His home held some empty packets of BB pellets, plus he had a questionable reputation too. The only problem was, the forensic findings weren’t sufficient to convict him of the abuse.
The property was rightly situated by the Howards’, just a stone’s throw from where the terrible act might have occurred. No one, not even the police, could identify where the incident really happened! Indeed, Hayden couldn't do anything but wait for further updates. Does this mean all hopes of finding the criminal are lost?
A Dark Lifestyle
While Tim wasn’t arrested for Jackson’s alleged abuse, the police found other items in his property that got him in trouble with the law. Apart from the BB cannons and pellets, they found out he peddled with illegal items – it’s a wonder he was able to continue his ruse for so long.
Almost immediately, the authorities picked Tim up for arrest, and he was carted off to face the consequences of his life decisions. Hayden felt defeated - no one ever apprehended Jackson's shooter, but at least Tim's confinement meant the neighborhood was a tad safer than before.
Offering A Reward
A lot has happened, but Jackson’s problem hasn’t been resolved yet. Hayden wondered if a $500 reward would encourage people to come forward in case they saw what happened or perhaps have some sort of information about the suspect.
The police didn’t encourage this approach since false witnesses likely turn up just to claim the money. Additionally, these cases would wind up being shelved in the next couple of weeks if no other evidence is found. Regardless, Hayden kept a jovial outlook that somehow, whoever did that vile act would get caught in the future.
Trying to Move on
Moving on from this ordeal was the Howard family’s top priority, especially now that Jackson felt much better. The investigation took a toll on their mental and physical health, so it was only proper to put this in the past while being extra careful.
Truly, the kids looked forward to more days of fun under the sun with their favorite canine. Closure might be hard to come by with the perpetrator running free, but Hayden could only hope this would never happen to another pet ever again. After all, no one should be able to treat an animal like that and get away with it.