Support Copper's Recovery from Gunshot Wound

On Sunday around 10 PM, my best friend Tiffany was home alone with her animals, getting ready for bed like any other night. Her sweet beagle, Copper, was outside going potty before bedtime, while Tiffany was in the bathroom brushing her teeth.

Gunfire suddenly began ringing out from somewhere right outside her house. Tiffany heard Copper start yelling and crying, and she ran to the door, opened it to grab Copper, and was immediately hit by a stray bullet that grazed her arm. She ducked down and was able to get Copper in the house, where he was bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to his face. Shots continued to fire after they were inside. Tiffany called 911, unconcerned about herself but wanting to save Copper, who was losing blood rapidly.

Copper lost a lot of blood but was rushed to the emergency vet, where he was sedated. They found that the bullet had gone into his upper right lip — his teeth proximal to his first molar were all knocked out, the bullet punctured his tongue, exited the left side of his neck, and his jaw was fractured.

Tiffany and Josh’s home became a crime scene last night. Crime scene tape surrounded their property, the roads were blocked off, and police officers, detectives, and EMTs were swarming the house. There are bullet holes in Tiffany’s cars, all along the side of her house, and on her porch.

Against all odds, brave Copper pulled through last night. Tiffany and Josh were able to pick him up from the emergency vet in the afternoon.

The vet said that his recovery period will take around 8 weeks. For the time being, he has to wear a tape muzzle and cone and take his pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammation meds as he begins to heal.

Tiffany is my best friend and I’ve become very close with her family, including sweet Copper. Although I live in Virginia, I spend a lot of time at their home, and so this is very personal to me. All donations will go directly to Tiffany and Josh – I’m starting this fundraiser to hopefully help take some of the burden off of their family as they face Copper’s emergency medical bills and the ongoing follow-up care he will need to receive until he has made a full recovery, and assist Tiffany and Josh with any additional expenses they may face as a result of this shooting.

Copper is a beloved member of their family, and his parents are devastated that he was harmed. While we are grateful Tiffany is safe and Copper pulled through, they have faced a traumatizing, unthinkable event within their own home where they should feel safe.

Please consider donating; any amount will help as Copper begins to heal, and his parents begin to recover from this traumatic night.