Search for shooter underway after dog found shot in head

PLANT CITY (FOX 13) - Veterinarians at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners Hospital in Brandon are trying to save a pup named Dexter, a skinny Labrador that was found shot in the head.

The dog was found Saturday on W. Keysville Road in Plant City with bullet fragments in its head. The good Samaritan who found Dexter brought him to Blue Pearl in Brandon.

Tuesday evening, Dexter sat in a crate, breathing heavily through his nose and the open bullet holes in his face.

Veterinarians caring for Dexter say he was shot at least twice.

“He has been a pretty good fighter,” said Dr. Nancy Pesses. “I have seen a lot of other dogs go through things and some are not as resilient as he seems to be.”

He may have months of rehabilitation before the Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida can take him in and find him a forever home.

“You know it is inexcusable to do that to a dog who can’t defend himself,” said Sooze Woolley, a rescuer with the organization.

It is still unknown who shot Dexter or why. The Pet Resource Center of Hillsborough County is conducting an investigation and plans to turn over its findings to the State Attorney's Office.