Friday, August 10, 2012 1:58 pm

An outpouring of concern and support from all over the world is overwhelming the Cannon County Animal Clinic as it cares for a dog which was shot in the mouth earlier this week.

The female boxer mix was taken to the clinic by the Warren County Humane Society.

“The injured dog was brought to us Wednesday night,” Dr. Gayle Tate said. “At first we didn’t know what caused the injuries.”

Dr. Tate said when he began his examination of the dog he found that it appeared someone had put the barrel of a gun in the dog’s mouth and fired.

“It looked like the bullet exploded,” he said.

Corona was found bleeding in the road by a group of children on Wednesday night, according to reports. At first, it was believed that she had been beaten since she was bleeding from her mouth, nose and eyes.

The veterinarian said the dog’s tongue was split, and there was a large laceration from the tongue to the larynx. She also had several facial fractures and tissue damage. 

The good news according to Dr. Tate is that the injuries are not life-threatening.

“She is doing well,” Dr. Tate said. “She is starting to recover and the prognosis is good.”

The ordeal has been an emotional one for the staff of the animal clinic. 

“It made us cry when we realized what her injuries were and how there were caused,” Dr. Tate said. “But the outpouring of support from all over the world has been amazing to us. We’ve received calls and messages from places as far away as Australia.

According to the Warren County Humane Society’s Facebook page, the dog’s name is Corona. A person associated with the group posted the following message earlier today:

“My husband and I went to bed around 4 a.m. doing our best to catch up with everyone as we are overwhelmed with all the well wishes and love and concern for our sweet Corona, we just got off the phone with Dr. Tate and Corona has eaten a little bit this morning and is doing OK and is stable and we are just thrilled beyond words and we will be going to visit with Corona and love on her here in a little while.

“Folks I am crying as I type as I am overwhelmed with the kindness shown from so many amazing animal friends for our sweet Corona!! We will update in a few hours about sweet Corona!! Thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you!! We love you Corona!!! We love you!!! My heart is so full!!! The love shown for Corona has been AMAZING!!!”

Dr. Tate said all donations his office is receiving will go toward the care of the dog and the Warren County Humane Society.

Anyone who wants to donate toward Corona's medical bills can give to the Cannon County Animal Clinic by calling them at (615) 563-4022. You can also give through the Warren County Humane Society at www.hswarrenco.org or through PayPal by sending to hswarrenco@hotmail.com. Donations can also be mailed to:

Humane Society of Warren County
P.O. Box 111
Smartt, TN 37378