Dakota on the operating table at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, WednesdayA miniature Australian Shepherd attacked by a wild boar has died.
Veterinarians at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa tried to save the life of 3-year-old Dakota. However, a spokesperson says Dakota developed an infection, was unresponsive to treatment, and died around 4 p.m. Thursday.
Dakota was owned by Lutz resident Tom Miller, a veteran Tampa firefighter. The attack happened Wednesday morning.
With his wife and two young sons crying, Miller loaded Dakota up for the trip to BluePearl. On Wednesday, he said his extensive experience did not prepare him for this.
"When it's your pet or family member, it's just not the same" he said. "it was very upsetting. He was covered in blood. He could barely walk. He was stiff and even at the slightest of moves, he would wail in pain" said Miller.
An animal charity called Frankie's Friends is paying for most of the vet bill. Miller says, without it, he likely would not be able to afford his care.
