SHERMAN, Texas — A dog named Olivia is recovering after two individuals tried to kill her, North Texas police said in a social media post. Olivia lost an eye during the incident but continues to show a sweet temperament, Sherman police said in the Facebook post.
She is recovering at the Sherman Animal Shelter and will remain in its care for at least two weeks. Olivia is not up for adoption as she continues to recover.
Sherman police said they arrested two people after they reportedly admitted to trying to kill Olivia.
Law enforcement responded Sunday to the 200 block of North Grand Avenue after receiving a report of a dog being shot with a pellet gun, Sherman police said in a social media post.
When police arrived, they were told Olivia had been heard yelping for a period of time. Upon further investigation, police found 41-year-old Gary Larkins and 52-year-old Thomas Bush with an injured Olivia.
Bush was allegedly holding a hammer while standing over Olivia when officers arrived, according to police.
Officers determined Olivia had been shot, police say. Larkins and Bush admitted to trying to euthanize the dog, law enforcement said in the social media post.
Both Larkins and Bush were arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals causing serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony.
Olivia was taken into Sherman Animal Services custody. She sustained serious injuries, including trauma to the head and face. She was taken to a local veterinary emergency hospital for treatment.
Larkins and Bush could face two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine if found guilty at trial.