The Labrador-mix (known as Bear) is making progress as he recovers from his near-death experience in Ford County. Police are also reporting progress in the case to find who's responsible for shooting him and leaving him to die while suspended by his leash on a bridge near Sibley.

Officials at the small animal emergency and critical care service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital have reported 'Bear" is more perky, eating and showing some personality.

Doctors also report Bear is getting a lot of love and the support from the public is tremendous.

A GoFundMe account has raised over $13,000 already in efforts to get Bear the medical treatment he needs. There's also interest in adopting him once he recovers.

Bear was found April 20 by a man walking his own dog along an abandoned road. The chocolate Labrador retriever mix had been shot, shattering the lower jaw,. He was also suffering from extreme dehydration, an injury to a rear limb, chronic skin ulcers and hypothermia.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.
Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran said Wednesday "we have information to move us in the right direction." Charges could be filed once a solid case is formed.

The sheriff said the owners will not get the dog back.

94.1 WGFA