Grieving Boy’s Therapy Dog Shot & Killed in Minnesota

Over this weekend, a therapy dog who belonged to a boy grieving his father’s passing was shot and killed in Norwood Young America, Minnesota. What’s worse is that due to a very similar incident, the residents believe it might not be a one-off crime. The jarring incident has left the victims and their neighbors terrified.

Therapy dog of boy grieving father’s death shot and killed in Norwood Young America

Gus was an Australian Cattle Dog or Red Heeler and was considered a family member by the Brandenburgs. He was a very well-trained pup and served as a therapy dog for the family. Gus had been with them for about five years but had especially bonded with Reece Brandenburg.

Reece’s dad was an Iraq War veteran who had an ongoing battle with PTSD. Unfortunately, about one and a half years ago, the family lost Jeremy Brandenburg to suicide. Reece struggled quite a bit and had a hard time coping with his father’s passing. This was when the therapy dog proved to be the grieving boy’s best friend, staying by his side and comforting him.

Arielle Brandenburg told Fox 9 , “Whenever he was anxious and scared and was grieving, [Gus] came on top of him and was this weighted blanket…” However, on June 15, someone shot Gus. The canine ran home with a bleeding wound on his back leg. Upon further examination, it was revealed that the .22-caliber bullet had pierced his lung as well.

Gus was beyond saving, and the family had to put him down. Fortunately, they got some time to say their last goodbyes.

After reporting the case to the Carver County Sheriff’s Office and discussing the same with fellow residents, it was discovered Gus’ death might not be a one-off crime. One of their neighbors also had someone shoot their horse with a .22-caliber bullet. This has led Arielle Brandenburg and her neighbors to fear for their kids and animals. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been provided.

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