An Overland Park certified therapy dog that visits the residents of Villa St. Joseph, a senior living center, was shot in a home burglary in Kansas on Tuesday, according to AKC. Meeko, the golden retriever-cocker spaniel blend, was shot in the muzzle, with all indicators showing the sweet dog was not attacking the intruder, and was probably attempting a greeting - exactly what he was taught in his therapy training.
Meeko's 17-year-old owner, Jack, came home to find the house ransacked and his beloved dog bleeding, vomiting and struggling to breathe. After calling his parents, Chris and Tina Kirwan, the family rushed Meeko to Deer Creek Animal Hospital.
Emergency surgery for Meeko proved good news for his owners; the bullet did not hit any major arteries or vital organs.
Meeko is now at home recovering peacefully, and has been receiving several wonderful gifts by community members including blankets and treats - even a portion of his vet bill was paid anonymously.
"It's hard to understand how that kind of thing could happen to someone we love so much," said said Kathy Ensign, administrator of the senior health community, according to the Kansas City Star. Residents at the senior center have shed many tears over the tragic shooting of their loving visitor.
On Oct. 13, the Kansas City Police Department arrested Matthew Oden, 32, and charged him with theft, burglary and animal cruelty in connection with the Kirwan case. He was booked in Kansas City, where detectives had picked him up on warrant charges out of Johnson County.
"Relieved, happy, vindicated, all of the above," said Tina Kirwan in regards to her feelings on the news of Oden's arrest, according to Fox 4 KC. "Im glad he's off the streets. I've been broken-hearted by the whole thing. I'm broken-hearted my children had to see what they saw. I'm broken-hearted that he had to sit for three hours without anybody to love and to take him to the vet."
"He doesn't need to be on the street. He just doesn't deserve...he needs to be in jail. He needs to be put away. He's obviously got issues that are dangerous and he needs to be away. We don't need him in our society anymore," she added.
Matthew Oden, 32, arrested on JoCo 15CR2481. Chgs are burg, theft, & felony cruelty to animals. No court date set. https://t.co/xChhdZsX7Q
— Johnson County Ks DA (@JohnsonCoDA) October 13, 2015
