Community Rallies to Rescue and Fund Treatment for Dog Attacked in Osage Wilderness
Duke, an 8-year-old collie, was found after being missing for 16 days in the Osage, Minnesota wilderness. His owner, Shawna Walters, initiated a widespread search effort involving friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. The search utilized various methods, including thermal drones, which ultimately located Duke 1.2 miles from home. Upon discovery, Duke was found at the bottom of a 4-foot drop to a riverbed, severely injured with puncture marks, a hernia, a bite mark on his neck, a large hot spot, and missing chunks of fur from his legs. An emergency veterinarian suspects a wolf attack. Duke was rushed to BluePearl Vet Hospital in Golden Valley, where an initial treatment estimate was $9,000. Shawna, who receives a VA stipend, found this amount unattainable. However, an anonymous donor covered a significant portion of the revised stabilization cost of $3,259, paying $3,200. Duke is now undergoing rehabilitation for pancreatitis and will require hernia repair surgery, with ongoing care managed by Isa...
