Dog Shot By Deputies Reunited With Owners

STOCKTON (CBS13) - A very special dog is recovering at home this morning after being shot by a deputy in San Joaquin County.

Champ, a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix, was reunited with his tearful 5-year-old owner, Jonathan and mom Candis Towles.  Champ left the vets walking a little gingerly, but wagging his tail.

Champ was shot Wednesday as deputies were trying to arrest an at risk parolee who was trying to hide in the family's backyard.

The protective dog ran to check out the situation and thinking he was a threat, an officer shot Champ hitting a major artery.

A vet at the Fremont Veterinary Clinic performed hours of surgery to save Champ's life.

Afterward, the owners got a call saying the $1,000 vet bill was paid by an anonymous donor.  It turns out that donor was the San Joaquin Co. Sheriff's department who said Champ was just doing his job.

"They could have just as easily wrote me off but they didn't and that's what I'm really grateful for," said Candis.

The Sheriff's department is also paying for Champ's medication and follow up vet visits.