Gunner, a young Belgian Malinois, was hit by a quad vehicle in Hartland last summer and suffered severe injuries that required him to spend 23 hours of his day in a crate to help him recuperate.
Gunner's owner, Nate Larabee, an Iraq war veteran, incurred substantial veterinary bills, leading Granby resident Taylor Verbridge, who accidentally struck Gunner with the quad, to organize fundraisers to help pay for the dog's care.
The following is an update from Larabee on Gunner's condition:
"Gunner is 85 percent I would say so far. He is able to run somewhat, jump a little, and play. He is very eager to be back to 100 percent and tries his best. He still has a weakened back left leg, mostly from nerve damage. From what the vet tells me it should regrow nerves in the spinal cord and be back to full use of his leg. He is now able to chase a ball, rabbits, anything he wants pretty much and has been getting his daily exercise/rehabilitation and strength training daily. Last check up at Tufts 3 months post op showed the vertebrae T13 and L1 fused together and the added strength of the plates and screws should allow him a full recovery. Overall an amazing recovery so far from where he was several months ago. Again, I can't thank everyone enough who participated, donated, and just helped Gunner in his recovery. I hope to have him back at Salmon Brook Park training him again soon."
