Dog shot while leaping at mugger

German shepherd defended Bay Area owner; 'Buffy' may lose a leg

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updated 2:02 p.m. ET Jan. 12, 2007

OAKLAND, Calif. - A dog named Buffy was seriously wounded after being shot defending her owner during a robbery.

The German shepherd leapt into action after Will Bartley arrived at his Oakland home after work, and the dog ran out to greet him. At about the same time, a gunman approached and demanded Bartley’s wallet.

As Bartley complied, Buffy lunged at the mugger, who opened fire on the dog. Bartley wasn’t hurt, but doctors say there’s a 50-50 chance that Buffy could lose one of her legs.

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It’s not clear if Buffy bit the gunman before he fled.

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