Hunter

Animal Tails: Rottweiler as Superhero!

Hunter was snoozing on the floor of the motel room next to the bed when he heard a loud commotion. His mom, Melodie Thompson, was just entering the room when someone shoved her inside and slammed the door shut. Hunter’s ears perked up to listen.

He heard a stranger’s voice angrily demand money. Normally, whenever anyone raises their voice the big rottweiler-mix hides under a table or behind a bed, but something was different. When Melodie told the stranger she had no money, Hunter could hear the fear in her voice. He got up and stood at the end of the bed. The stranger was pointing a gun in mom’s face.

Hunter growled fiercely. As soon as the man looked his way, Hunter charged. Three shots rang out but the big dog wasn’t afraid. Crouching on his front haunches, he barked a warning to “back off” and prepared to attack. A fourth shot brought Hunter down.

The gunman grabbed a purse from the table, ripped the phone cord out of the wall and then shot the helpless dog a fifth time on his way out the door.


In less than a minute, the world turned upside down for Hunter and his family.
Hunter has been an important part of Melodie’s life since his birth two years ago. Keenly alert to her emotions, he has been especially comforting during a difficult period when she, husband Mark Reed and their daughter lost their home and now struggle to turn their lives around. His playful spirit has kept a smile in their hearts. The family was astonished the docile dog defended Melodie, but his near-fatal wounds devastated them.

“I feel so guilty,” Melodie cried. “It happened so fast, I should have protected him. He was almost killed saving me.”

Hunter was rushed to MedVet Hospital, an animal emergency care center where doctors had to stabilize him before removing four bullets—one to each front leg, a third in the shoulder and the fourth behind an ear. The fifth bullet was lodged so close to his spine it could not be removed safely. The surgeon feared the heroic dog might never walk again, but with physical therapy he felt Hunter’s youth and determination could help him recover partial mobility. It took only the presence of Melodie to lift Hunter’s spirits. As soon as he heard her voice his tail started beating against the floor.

Once the dog was released, the family began the recovery process. Physical therapy includes rotating and flexing his legs several times a day. It takes two people to lift the 100-pound dog with towels slung behind his front legs and under his belly. It is a difficult and time-consuming process to help him regain his strength.

Saving Hunter’s life posed new problems for his family. The first was MedVets bill for nearly $4,000. With nowhere to turn for help, the family was frantic. That’s when CBS Columbus affiliate, WBNS-TV10, stepped in and covered the story allowing Melodie to appeal for help from viewers. The story was picked up by area media and the hospital started receiving mail addressed to ‘Hunter’ and ‘Hunter’s owners’ expressing sympathy and prayers and including donations for Hunter’s expenses.

“We are so grateful to these wonderful people for their prayers and generosity,” Melodie said. “Would you please use your column to thank them for us?”

The family is unable to send a personal acknowledgement because when the letters were turned over to them the names, addresses and donation amounts had been cut out. According to MedVet Hospital Administrator, Doug McMillan, it is their policy not to release donor information. He also declined to reveal the amount donated and the family was told only 50 percent of the donations would go to Hunter. Melodie’s family was still responsible for half the bill. After interviewing the administrator and talking with MedVet’s attorney for this story, the hospital decided all Hunter’s expenses, including aftercare and whirlpool therapy, would be covered.

Eight weeks after the robbery, the gunman has not been found. However, Hunter’s recovery has been remarkable. He can stand and walk without assistance. His movements must still be closely monitored because one paw continues to curl under when he tries to use it.

There are many heroes involved in Hunter’s case including the critical care team at MedVet who saved Hunter’s life, the television stations and newspapers that carried the family’s plea for help and the people who responded with their prayers and generosity.

Despite difficulties that feel overwhelming at times, the family repays Hunter’s devotion and sacrifice each and every day. Their love and compassion are his best medicine. With such an inspiring family, it is no surprise that Hunter turned out to be a superhero.

www.animaltails.org.