NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - A rescue dog named Tessi is now safe and loved in a new home, but her new family was shocked to learn that her whole body was full of pellets.
Tessi was rescued from unknown conditions in Georgia. Her family has had her for a month now, but just last week, they found out that her whole body is riddled with birdshot.
It all started when Tessi's new mom noticed head tremors. Tessi's family took her to the vet, and found an unbelievable amount of birdshot in Tessi's body.
From her hips, to her neck, and her knees, the New Smyrna Beach rescue group that took her in said they believe she was used as target practice in Georgia.
"How can someone do that? I do not understand. A sweet, obedient, and just... I don't get it. I don't understand," said Tessi's owner Melissa Pilarsky.
Tessi's vet visits are now rising... up to $1,000 in blood work. Her new heartworm diagnosis is at least $3,000. And a pellet lodged behind her knee that prevents her from walking far or getting up and down stairs will require a $3 to 5,000 surgery.
