INDIANAPOLIS — An local family is looking for answers after their dog was seriously injured with what they believe was some type of a weapon.
Valerie Do says her dogs, Bella (9) and Zeus (12), escaped together from their yard near 30th Street and Shadeland Avenue on Friday.
Do says both dogs were spotted Saturday evening near I-465 and I-70, but they were unable to find them when they went looking.
When Bella wandered home alone on Monday, she had deep gash across her face.
"We were terrified," Do said in an interview with RTV6. "It was horrific to see her in so much pain and discomfort."
Do says Bella is in need of multiple surgeries to repair her nasal cavity from the injury, which they believe was caused by a person.
"We immediately rushed her to our local pet hospital, there the vet shared that she believes Bella was struck in the face with a machete just above her eyes crushing her nasal cavity and possibly fracturing her skull," Do wrote in a Facebook post.
Bella had the first of her surgeries on Tuesday, but she still has a long road ahead to recovery.
The family says Bella has never shown any signs of aggression and they're not sure why anyone would want to hurt her.
Do says they've reached out to IMPD and they are working to file a police report on the incident. She has also started an online fundraiser to help pay for Bella's medical bills.
"We want to bring awareness to the community that there is somebody out there that is capable of injuring innocent animals for no purpose," Do said.
While Bella is getting treatment, the family continues to search for their other missing dog. Zeus never returned home.
Zeus is a male german shephard mix and is approximately 45 pounds. If you have any information on Zeus's location or who may have attacked Bella contact IMPD or call 317-749-3595.
