Charlie the Golden Retriever: His Shocking and Amazing Rescue

Charlie the Golden Retriever: His Shocking and Amazing Rescue

February 10, 2010 Adoption Stories Successful Adoptions 4

Charlie was first noticed by rescuer Tanya Bomberger on February 1st, 2010.  Tanya was driving her regular school bus route and saw a Golden Retriever in the yard of one of her young, student passengers.  The child told her it was not his dog and Tanya recognized that he was not a dog from the area.

Intrigued, she finished her bus route and returned to where she first saw the dog.  Charlie had not left and after an quick assessment of the dog, Tanya realized he was wounded.  She put Charlie on the school bus and took him to her vet and was given antibiotics for what was initially determined to be a dog fight wound.

Tanya then called Kami Brandt of K&K Pet Rescue in Nebraska and told her about the beautiful, purebred, Golden Retriever that she had found on the side of the road.  Kami proceeded to call CAWL for assistance with the dog.  Charlie was transferred to CAWL in Colorado on February 4th, 2010.

CAWL volunteers were fully expecting a wounded dog, per previous discussions, but it turned out to be much worse than they had initally thought.

Charlie was immediately taken to Franktown Animal Clinic where Dr. Dave Swieckowski took an x-ray to find over 20 pieces of buckshot in Charlie’s head and ear.  It was clear at that point that someone had obviously tried to kill Charlie at close range.  He immediately went to surgery to close the wound and remove what pieces of buckshot could be safely removed.  We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Swieckowski for being instrumental in saving the life of another CAWL dog.

Charlie is now recovering in the home of a CAWL volunteer and is being monitored by Dr. Swieckowski regularly.  Charlie is expected to make a full recovery.  He has no major hearing loss and, even through his ordeal, is still very friendly and loving.

Charlie is neutered, up to date on vaccinations and has a great temperament.  He socializes well with all dogs and cats.  He is also very good in the car.

CAWL is currently taking applications for Charlie’s adoption as he will be available for adoption after his stitches are removed.

We are also asking for people to consider making a donation to assist with Charlie’s veterinary care while he is recovering from his wounds.  He is a very special and very lucky dog and deserves only the best.

THANK YOU to all who donated to assist CAWL with Charlie’s veterinary care!



Charlie’s Happy Ending

Charlie officially went home with his new family on Friday, March 5, 2010 after fully recovering from his wounds.

For a Nebraska farm boy, Charlie has caught on quickly to life here in the beautiful state of Colorado.






He is now a happy healthy boy with a family to love him – most likely, for the first time in his life.



CAWL would like to thank everyonewho assisted in his recovery, showed concern about his well being, donated to his veterinary bills, and submitted applications for his adoption.





Charlie is one lucky Golden Retriever, and to all of his angels – Charlie made some snow angels to show his appreciation.

Good luck Charlie – and a lot of love to you!

4 Responses

  1. Lisa says:

    Charlie is doing very well and in his new fosterhome. He is taking applications for his adoption and should be ready to go to his new home about March 1st. He is good with dogs and cats. Good in the car. Gorgeous dog inside and out.

  2. Hoov says:

    I saw the flyer for Charlie; what an amazing story. Has he been adopted yet? Just checking….

  3. Tanya Bomberger says:

    Hey there Charlie boy, it’s me your first rescuer. I am so glad to be here and see that you are happy and well loved in your new home. There has not been a day since you went to Colorado that we have not thought about you and missed you. When I found Charlie and brought him home, he was just a big sweetheart. I want to thank every one from the bottom of my heart for the help that Charlie got and to Charlie’s new family – thanks for giving him his chance at life. Thanks. Tanya

  4. Lisa says:

    A huge ‘thank you’ to you Tanya! If you had just driven by, we would have never had the chance to meet this great boy. Every piece has to fall into place and each one counts!

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