Shot dog suffers amputation
by Ambria Hammel

CAVE CREEK – A family in Cave Creek is searching for the person who shot their three‑year‑old dog in late April, forcing amputation of their pet’s left hind leg. The abuse occurred around the same time as the apparent skinning of a six‑month‑old puppy in New River which had to be put down.

Arrow, a yellow labrador, wandered away from his home near Cave Creek Road and El Sendero Drive on April 23. According to owner Beisa Nokolic, it was not unusual for the dog to find his way out of the fenced‑in yard, but he usually returned within a day. This time, however, he returned severely injured four days later.

“He came like a wounded soldier,” said Vlado Nikolic, who described his family‑friendly dog as coming home “bloody and hopping.” Vlado initially thought Arrow had encountered a coyote or a moving vehicle, but Dr. Ted Pitman of Noah’s Ark Mobile Clinic found a puncture wound on the right side.

“The bullet ended up on the inside of the left knee,” Pitman said. He concluded from x‑rays that the bullet hit Arrow on the right side, went through his urinary tract and shattered the left femur.

Pitman said the damage to the leg was so extensive that the leg would need to be stabilized for three to four months in order to heal, making amputation the best option. Arrow had follow‑up surgery May 11 to remove residual blood clots and is reportedly doing better.

The family is convinced someone knows something about the case and is offering a reward for information. The case is under investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information should call MCSO at (602) 876‑1742.