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            Auburn University - University Relations
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4/18/95                                Sam Hendrix (334) 844-3698

'TOUGH' BULLDOG BACK WITH OWNERS AFTER RECOVERY AT AU
     AUBURN -- Sporting an orange cast, Patton -- the bulldog shot
and left for dead 10 days ago -- has been released from Auburn
University's Small Animal Clinic.    
     This white-and-tan three-year-old bulldog was turned over to
his owners Monday night after recovering at AU's College of
Veterinary Medicine. He had been shot at point-blank range at least
three times by burglars on the morning of April 7.     
     "I'm just glad he's OK and glad to be bringing him home,"
owner Amy Desch said.    
     "Patton was a lucky fellow," said Eric Wilson, a surgical 
resident at the Small Animal Clinic who supervised Patton's care.
"He's tough."
     The bulldog was first treated by veterinarian Dr. D.B. Buster
of Selma, who determined the dog should be transferred to the AU
clinic.  Patton underwent surgery on April 8, with one bullet being
removed and his fractured left foreleg being treated.     
    "He was significantly depressed the first three or four days 
after surgery, but after that, we could notice progress every day," 
Wilson said. "By this past weekend, he was playful."  
    Patton will be examined by Buster in a few days, and in eight 
weeks will have an X-ray to determine if his cast can be removed. 
    # # # april95:pattonout