Young Golden Retriever Found in Shocking Condition in Ditch Near Mount St. Helens

A young Golden Retriever now named “Trooper” has a brighter future after he was found shot in the head “execution style” with duct tape wrapped around his mouth near Mount St. Helens, Washington last month.

A lineman crew of utility workers were driving back from a maintenance project along Spirit Lake Highway on November 2nd when they noticed a white spot on the side of the road. When they went to look they discovered the dog lying in a ditch 45 miles from any town. He couldn’t bark because of the duct tape and they saw a bullet hole on the top of his skull. They immediately cut the duct tape around Trooper’s muzzle off, bundled him up and rushed him to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County.

At the shelter, X-rays revealed the bullet had shattered on Trooper’s skull, and the fragments had migrated down into his jaw. Veterinarians said it was better not to do surgery and Trooper was nursed back to health at a foster home.

Both the Humane Society and Trooper’s rescuers are completely perplexed why such a sweet and friendly dog was so brutally harmed and left to die. There is an active investigation underway.

A few weeks later, Trooper has healed and is ready for the next chapter in his life. The good news? He’s going home with Dylan Shulda, one of the utility workers who found him.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Humane Society Of Cowlitz Co. (@cowlitzhumane)

Trooper has already met and become best friends with Dylan’s other dogs and friends with all the people he’s met through his recovery. Dylan says Trooper is a “super sweet and affectionate dog” and he’s happy to have him.

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.