Shot dog accumulating big vet bill
Tonka is racking up vet bills after being shot by a narcotics officer in South Lake Tahoe. Photo/Provided
Tonka, the dog that was shot last month during a drug raid, had surgery this week to remove the bullet.
Three more teeth had to be removed because they were shattered from the bullet entering below his left eye, traveling through his mouth, through his tongue and into his neck.
The two drainage tubes in his neck should be removed in a week.
So far, Tonka has racked up more $3,000 in medical expenses.
A day of grooming will be provided by Best in Show Groomers in Stateline on March 16 form 9am-5pm. All of the money raised will go to help Tonka. Call for an appointment — 775.901.2671.
Why are the cops not responsible for the vet bills? And if not legally how about morally? Cut a check you cheap ############.
Maybe the druggie that got arrested should pay the bills.
Tonka the dog was shot by law enforcement officers, (Slednet). This dog needs our help, he’s recovering but the vet bills are mounting.
I don’t know any of the people involved with this growing operation where the dog was shot or the dog or anyone at Slednet, but I am an animal lover…big time.
So if you want to help this dog please join me in calling Best in Show Grooming at 1-775-901-2671 for an appointment for a full dog grooming of your own pooch, shampoo, nails trimmed, the whole thing. All proceeds go to Tonkas vet bills.
Want to get your four legged friend looking good for spring while helping a wounded dog? Please call and make an appointment. I’ll see you there. Thanks, Old Long Skiis
Go-Figure, that is the best idea. I am sure there was money found in the raid.
SLEDNET was doing their job and should not be responsible for the bill.
Then what happens to Tonka??? To the shelter and adopted by someone who may find a lot of baggage cames with this dog.
Thanks to Best-of-Show Grooming for doing the fund-raising for Tonka. And while I don’t think Sled-Net should be responsible, I do think our public servants/departments should be insured for this kind of incident. What if a person was accidentally injured during a raid? What if private property was damaged? I don’t know if the City is self-insured or carries insurance, but I think their insurance should pay for Tonka’s care.
If I recall the news story correctly, this dog latched himself to the arm of one of the officers, and was shot to make him let go.
As sad as that is, I am not sure this dog is a dog I want out in public again.
I also don’t think slednet is a city agency, and wonder if the city has any responsibility for what they do. I would hope not, unless they elected to send city police to help them.
The people that were “responsable” for this poor animal should be charged with animal cruelty for creating the environment in which this dog had to become a guard dog. There are two pot houses in my neighborhood with dogs that are either never outside and treated as pets, or are behind a wire fence and are agressive at the fence to everyone that goes by. Its pretty sad. I sure dont look forward to the inevitable bust that is sure to come.
For those that don’t already know there is a community fund to help pay for the vet bills for this unfortunate dog. The total raised to assist the owners is already $2780. This should have been mentioned in the article.
With the assistance from Best-of-Show Grooming this should go a long way to covering the costs.
Check out the fund: http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/save-tahoe-tonka-/144794
I think Observer has a good point. I would not feel safe in the presence of a dog with this history.
Please don’t tell me that the owners of this dog who left it with a drug dealer are going to get this animal back after it recovers and the public pays the vet bills. Animal Control needs to evaluate this dog for proper placement in a home with people familiar with its breed/temperament type who will provide an environment in which this animal can flourish and reach its full potential as a happy and loving pet.
Some people shouldn’t own pets, just like some people shouldn’t have children.
I agree that SledNet should either be insured or donate to the care of this poor animal. I don’t hold it against the dog for trying to protect itself or it’s home when these guys come busting in…That is the nature of dogs, so the comments above saying the dog is a threat are really off base.
Seems to me there should also be some training put in place for law enforcement to handle animals and civilians with more care. It’s all to easy to shoot first and not be held accountable later. We had some activity here a while where the cops came rushing into out neighborhood with full kevlar and guns blazing just to serve a WARRANT ON AN EMPTY HOUSE. My kids and I were terrified… and it was nothing dangerous, in fact the cops were more threatening than the person they were after. It was a good thing the person took their dog with them, or he would have surely ended up like Tonka or worse.
These cops need to get themselves under control.
I am sorry, but dogs do not rule. There are about nine (9) dogs bites per minute in the USA. I understand it is not the dogs fault all the time, but dog owners ultimately are always responsible.
Rock4 – I didn’t say dogs rule. I was pointing out that the police across this country have a militarized mentality and they are more inclined to shoot the innocent first and not be held accountable after.
Regardless, neither one of us is qualified to say who should and shouldn’t own a dog…but the fact remains that these cops are WAY too trigger happy.
Actually I believe the cops and drug enforcement are trained on how to deal with agressive dogs. They have a right to protect themselves from agressive dogs just like you do too. Im surprised that subeetahoe has such a bad attitude about the police doing their job. Im glad and thankful that they are willing to confront the druggies who are making our neighborhoods unsafe. These illegal drug houses are unsafe, poisonous, fire hazards and usually the people are stashing weapons illegally and they are the paranoid, trigger happy ones to be fearful of. These druggies have treated their dogs poorly and have contributed to the dogs mannerisms by leaving them locked up in their houses to protect their drugs. I dont believe for a second that the police enjoy having to kill or hurt any animal, or person. Its their JOB. If you dont want to have to deal with the police than dont get in trouble. Im thankful for the police and all they do for our community.