The kindness of strangers has saved a dog's life. A black Lab is lucky to be alive after he was apparently used as target practice.

"He's special," said Rebecca Eaves, a volunteer for the Shamrock Foundation - a nonprofit organization that helps animals.

  (Photo courtesy of the Shamrock Foundation)

Aiden, an 11-month-old black Lab, was found in Pike County wandering the streets with an arrow protruding from his body.  The arrow has been removed, but the wounds it left behind were still visible.

"He is a doll," Eaves said. "The temperament - you can't believe - to have such a horrendous wound."  "You get really angry when you see something like this happen," said Mary Casey, Vice President of the Shamrock Foundation.

Volunteers at Shamrock stepped in to rescue Aiden and they say it's an miracle that he is standing and is as friendly as he his.  "He's been traumatized, even though he is so very sweet," Casey said.

Aiden was taken to Louisville from Pike County and has been receiving care at Auburndale Animal Hospital.  Veterinarians there believe Aiden was shot at point blank range.

"This has to rank up there pretty high," said Dr. Richard Goranflo. "It does appear that this was something from way off. It looks like someone stood there and did the deed."

During an initial examination, Goranflo determined that Aiden was running a fever, suffering from respiratory issues - one lung was partially deflated - as well as an infection in his wounds. His vertebrae were also damaged and he suffered massive muscular trauma.  "His attitude, I think, will get him through it," Goranflo said. "He certainly has the right outlook on what has happened."

It's still unknown who the dog belongs to or why someone would harm a helpless animal.  "I think there is some true evil in some people," Eaves said.

Getting Aiden healthy and to a safe home is what he deserves.  "He's a lovely little boy," Casey said. "We want him to have the best possible home. Because he needs to have the rest of his life heavenly."

Goranflo and the Shamrock Pet Foundation are paying for Aiden's care, which could end up costing thousands of dollars.

Update 1/5/10: Aiden's temperature was escalating today even with the antibiotics that had been prescribed. The veterinarian decided to do a complete flush of the wound and found a one inch piece of a carbon fiber arrow filled with bacteria. Cultures were taken from deep inside the wound and we are waiting for the results. At present, Aiden is on three different antibiotics to assist in fighting this infection.

Aiden's one collapsed lung appears to be re-inflating and he does have a hole in is scapula. This dog is amazing. He is so appreciative, wags his tail when approached and even during his exams and treatments and constantly licking your hand. He knows everyone is working so hard to help him and he shows it.

Update 1/8/10:  A fund is now set up to help a Pike County dog shot by an arrow.  The special fund, the Arrow Fund, was developed to aid animals that Shamrock rescues who have been harmed, abused and injured by human action. This fund will be used for the medical care they will need, in order. to recuperate and heal from their abuse.

Officials say the dog, named Aiden, who is now recovering at a Louisville animal hospital, is not out of the woods just yet.

The dog underwent surgery to remove several pieces of the arrow still inside his chest.

Donations can be made to the Shamrock Organization, which is helping in the dogs recovery.

You will want to note it is to the attention of the arrow fund.

If you would like to help Aiden's recovery, you can log on to the following website:  www.shamrockpets.com.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for injuring Aiden.

A large black Labrador retriever was found wandering the streets of Pike County with an arrow through his body. The dog was apparently shot at point- blank range. His underlying muscle tissue was badly damaged, and he suffered a collapsed lung, among other injuries. He is in serious condition.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 606-432-6260.

Aiden had surgery on January 8th. Dr. Goranflo removed a little more debris from the arrow and three inches of dead tissue. He has two drainage tubes in the entrance wound and the exit wound was left open to drain. He is still on antibiotics and his temperature is in the high normal range. As Aiden was waking up, Dr. Goranflo was adjusting the tubes. Aiden slowly raised he head just a little and ever so gently licked his doctor on the nose. Aiden is recovering well.

(Photo's courtesy of the Shamrock Foundation)

Update 1/18/10:  Aiden has been released from the veterinary hospital.  Aiden still has drains out of both sides where the arrow entered and exited. Both sides are tightly stitched. The drains, if all goes well will be removed on January 22nd.

Aiden is finding his way around and clearly enjoys his meals. 2 cups in the a.m. and 2 cups in the p.m. which takes him about 0.3 seconds to devour. He and his new brother Cosmo love one another and get along great. Aiden has been for 2 walks in the neighborhood and displays great intelligence and stays by his new families side. He loves to lick and eat your face showing his affection for everyone and everything. He is still not sleeping through the night.

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