Dingo, the dog Action 4 News first reported on after his owner found him injured and bloodied, is just like a family member for owner Roy Penaloza of Harlingen.
That’s why euthanizing the dog, after he suffered a shattered jaw, from what veterinarians said was a shot to the jaw, is not an option.
"A pet to me is a member of the family,” Penaloza said Wednesday. “They come in the house with us, they're bathed, it's not something that is a yard decoration that is just left out there with no interaction."
Penaloza is doing all he can to try and save Dingo, but it will cost $1,400 dollars to pay for the needed reconstructive surgery to his jaw.
Penaloza and his family started their fund by cashing in aluminum cans, and starting a Facebook page called Justice For Dingo, to accept donations.
Penaloza is also hoping the page will be a voice against animal cruelty - for those that can't speak for themselves.
"Animals since they can’t speak out on their own, they get lost in loop holes in the law that allows criminals to be cruel and malicious towards animals," he said.
Harlingen police are investigating, looking for the person responsible for shooting Dingo.
Penaloza strongly believes it's someone who lives nearby, but for now, can only hope justice will be served.
Most of all he’s hoping for Dingo’s recovery and that his story dingo's will help bring stricter laws to help protect animals.
"(The punishment) would depend on the cruelty,” Penaloza said, “but we need to treat animals with more respect and dignity. They're living creatures, they hurt, they feel pain and right now my dog is suffering."
Dingo will be transferred to Nolana Animal Hospital in McAllen for the surgery.
If you would like to donate you can visit or call the hospital at 956-686-3765 and give Dingo’s or Roy Penaloza’s name.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT