RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A dog that was once facing a grim prognosis after being injured in a murder-suicide shooting in Richmond is now running, playing and will soon be looking for a new forever home.
On Jan. 14, the Richmond Police Department responded to the 2400 block of Richdale Road and found two adults who were pronounced dead in an apparent murder-suicide. The Richmond Police identified the victim as 68-year-old Kathy Brashier, and her son, 49-year-old Lee Blair as the shooter.
Police also said Blair also shot a dog inside the home. Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) announced two days later that the dog, a German Shepherd named Luca, was being treated for injuries caused by the shooting. RACC stated that diagnostics showed bullet fragments around his head and neck, and at that time, his prognosis was “guarded at best.” But later that day, RACC released a video of Luca up and walking.
Now, RACC has released a new video of Luca on their Facebook page, showing a very different dog than the one that first arrived with them two weeks ago. The latest video shows an excited Luca running through the grass and playing with his toys.
Alongside the video, RACC announced that Luca is almost ready to be cleared from his medical foster home and he will soon be able to start looking for a new permanent family.
Since his neurological rehab will continue, RACC is looking for an adopter that is within an hour of Richmond and that can keep up with his appointments. They are also looking for a permanent home to ease his transition, and would like Luca’s new owners to have experience with German Shepherds.
If you are interested in adopting Luca, email christie.peters@rva.gov with your breed experience, if you have any kids or other pets and your relationship with your veterinarian.
