A young dog named Adaline should still be discovering the world with the carefree curiosity of a puppy. Instead, before reaching her first birthday, she was found badly injured inside an Oklahoma City culvert, frightened, filthy, and struggling after suffering unimaginable violence. Multiple gunshot wounds were only part of what rescuers discovered. Her body showed signs of extensive trauma, while her quiet behavior suggested an animal who had learned to be afraid of the people around her. Now called Addie, the sweet young dog is surrounded by veterinary professionals determined to give her the safety and compassion she desperately needs.

Credit: Facebook

Several 911 calls Sunday afternoon alerted Oklahoma City Animal Welfare officers to the dog near I-240 and Pennsylvania Avenue. Addie was discovered in murky water inside a culvert, wrapped in a tarp that had been covered with metal.

She was quickly removed from the area and rushed for emergency veterinary treatment. Her condition was serious enough that she was later placed in intensive care at Neel Veterinary Hospital, with Angel Fund OKC helping coordinate her care.

According to Angel Fund OKC, Addie is less than a year old. Despite her young age, veterinary workers believe the injuries she suffered were extensive.

“When we got her, it was just you could just tell it was a long period of abuse that she suffered that day,” Misty Wilson, a registered veterinary technician and founder of Angel Fund OKC, told KFOR.

Addie arrived covered in filth and fleas. Significant swelling and bruising were visible across different areas of her body, suggesting that the gunshot wounds were not the only trauma she had endured.

“Her lungs are bruised. She has just large areas of swelling all over her body that seems like blunt force trauma to different areas,” Wilson said.

Veterinarians Discover More Injuries

X-rays revealed another troubling discovery. Veterinarians found approximately five or six fragments still lodged inside Addie’s head. The encouraging news was that, at the time, they did not believe any of those fragments had penetrated her brain. Still, their location created additional concerns as veterinarians watched closely for complications.

Wilson explained that the body could potentially isolate the fragments, but infection remained a concern, particularly because of their proximity to Addie’s brain and sinus cavity. With so much uncertainty surrounding her injuries, the first 24 to 48 hours were considered especially important.

Addie received fluids while the veterinary team closely monitored her bruised lungs, sinuses, and neurological condition. Every response mattered as caregivers tried to understand how her young body was handling such extensive trauma.

Credit: Facebook

Her case was especially difficult for Angel Fund OKC because another dog had recently arrived after suffering a similar injury.

“The first one was hard, but now it’s like the second one in a month is just I don’t understand it,” Wilson said.

That dog, named Mango, also survived after being shot in the head. In Mango’s case, Angel Fund OKC said the bullets passed through his head. Addie’s situation is different because fragments remain lodged inside her head, adding uncertainty to her recovery.

Addie’s Fear Reveals Another Kind of Wound

Some of the most heartbreaking signs of Addie’s ordeal cannot be seen on an X-ray. Her behavior around the people trying to help her suggests just how frightened she had become. Wilson described Addie as extremely timid and head shy. Although the young dog remained sweet with her caregivers, she struggled to trust them.

“Very timid, very sweet, very head shy, not trusting at all. She doesn’t look at us in the eyes. She walks with her head down,” Wilson said.

For a dog still so young, those behaviors paint a painful picture. Even while surrounded by people offering gentle hands and medical care, Addie appeared unsure whether she was finally safe.

Her caregivers now face the delicate task of helping her heal emotionally as well as physically. Trust may come gradually as Addie experiences consistent kindness, patience, and security.

Wilson said Addie had reportedly been seen around the area near Casey’s off I-240 and Pennsylvania Avenue. She expressed hope that someone might have information that could help authorities determine what happened. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare also provided a statement to News 4 on Monday as the investigation continued.

Credit: Facebook

For now, Addie’s medical recovery remains the immediate priority. Her body has endured severe injuries, but she is no longer alone in that fight. Another hopeful step is already waiting for her beyond the ICU. Angel Fund OKC says a committed foster home is ready to care for Addie as she continues recovering.

After being found frightened and injured in a dark culvert, Addie now has veterinary professionals watching over her and a foster prepared to give her a safe place to heal. Her future remains uncertain, but for the first time since her ordeal, this young dog is surrounded by people whose only intention is to help her feel safe again.

This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.