Dog Stabbed In Pittsburg County

By Craig Day, The News On 6

McALESTER, OK -- Many in Pittsburg County are upset about a stabbing not of a person, but of a dog.

The lab was found with a knife sticking out of its back.  An investigation is underway into the assault.  And, an effort's underway to find the dog a new home.

At first glance, the black lab looks about like many other dogs, but Chance, named after his second chance at life, is lucky to be alive.  You can see he needs to put on weight and if you look closely you'll notice he's recovering from a wound.

"The first question that always goes through your mind is why would anybody do something like that to an animal," said Chance's foster parent John Pelzel.

Chance was found with a knife sticking out of his back.  He's now being fostered by John Pelzel and his family, alongside their own pets.

"Chance is just very laid back, very loving.  It's one of those things; the unconditional love that an animal will give became very apparent with Chance," said John Pelzel.

Chance was treated by veterinarians at the Renegar Animal Hospital in McAlester.  Dr. Brian Renegar says the knife narrowly missed killing Chance.

"It was very lucky in the sense that the wound itself was about a five inch deep wound, but the knife was stuck in the midsection of the back.  But, it was angled more toward the front shoulder so it didn't go down through the ribcage into the lung," said Dr. Brian Renegar.

Veterinarians say Chance will recover.  The Partners for Animal Welfare, or PAWS, is paying for the dog's medical treatment and care and is working to find him a permanent home.

For now, Chance is getting tender loving care at from the Pelzel family until he's placed in a permanent, loving home.

"He wants to be loved.  And, you can tell he really cares about people so I'm hoping that we find him a really good home," said John Pelzel.

Pittsburg County Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information in the case.  The numbers are 918-302-0892 or toll free at 866-970-8477.

Anyone interested in adopting Chance can call PAWS at 918-470-7290.