Dog Survives Bullet to the Head by Owner in Murder-Suicide

Photo Credit: Screenshot, ABC7 footage.

A dog is recovering after witnessing the worst of human nature, at the hands of her owner.

Six-year-old shepherd/lab mix Sophie was shot in the head after being caught in the crossfire of a domestic-related murder-suicide between two men last week in Rogers Park. Sophie was hit in the jaw and shoulder during the dispute between Steven Delatorre, 45 and Michael Bowers, 52. Delatorre’s death was ruled a homicide; Bowers’, a suicide. Despite what vets said should have been fatal wounds, the pup yelped and hobbled over to officers, seeking help.

Just days later, the dog is showing incredible resilience, now able to eat, walk (gingerly)—even wag her tail. Her survival is testament to the compassion shown by the police officers on the scene, veterinarian Dr. Lauren Nazarian told ABC7. Officers scooped Sophie up and within 15 minutes took her to Blue Pearl Veterinary Center in Skokie.

”They are part of the reason why she is still alive right now, yeah,” Nazarian told reporters.

Officer Steven Ommundson grew up as a dog lover, and couldn’t stand seeing the pooch in pain.

“I kept thinking to myself, how could someone do this to man’s best friend? You know, the dog didn’t do anything to anybody. It just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Ommundson told ABC7.

Veterinarians are concerned about the injuries’ lasting impact on Sophie. She may never be 100 percent “normal,” but still has a chance to be a special dog for the right owner.

“The biggest concern we have right now is the neurological trauma, it seems to affect her vestibular systems—her balance center—which is why when you see her walking she is wobbly, has the head tilt to the side, she is kind of spinning in circles a little bit,” Dr. Nazarian said.

Animal charity Frankie’s Friends is now raising $10,000 for the dog’s care. Although she is in recovery, she has lost everything—including a home and her owner. If a new owner does not come forward to adopt her from the clinic, she will be surrendered to animal control.