Dog Shot, Left for Dead Looking for Forever Home: 'All He Wanted Was Love'

A dog that was shot, tied to a tree, and left for dead is now looking for a forever home following his recovery at a Missouri animal shelter.

Marley was found in a wooded area in eastern Missouri by a passerby who heard his cries for help. After realizing the serious situation, the authorities were alerted and Marley was taken to the Jefferson County Animal Control (JCAC).

"The stranger found Marley tied to a tree and left to die," a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) spokesperson said. "It was later determined Marley had been shot multiple times with a pellet gun.

"One of the pellets hit Marley in the face, almost blinding him. The stranger contacted the Jefferson County Animal Control staff who retrieved Marley and provided him with the emergency care he desperately needed. Marley's recovery would ultimately require the assistance of a shelter so he could receive constant care."

"A detective with the Sheriff's Office has identified two suspects and is actively following leads," JCSO public safety information coordinator Grant Bissell told Newsweek. "However, no charges have been filed, and no arrests have been made at this time."

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found.

Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation.

Marley Looks for a New Home

Despite being cruelly treated and abandoned, the JCSO spokesperson said Marley "doesn't seem to have a mean bone in his body."

"All he wanted was love and attention. Marley would even beg for affection by rubbing against staff until they took a break and gave him some love.".

Marley left Animal Control for two months while staff looked for a rehabilitation center, but he has since returned and is looking for a forever home. Unfortunately for Marley, no one has come to see him since his return.

The JCSO said on Monday, November 20, that Marley is currently up for adoption and it is hopeful he can find a family for the holiday season.

Marley is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, has been treated for fleas and ticks, dewormed, had a heartworm test, and will be microchipped.

If you believe Marley is right for you and your family, then contact JCSC on 636-797-5577 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

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Update 11/22/23, 2:21 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Grant Bissell.