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Owner Of Puppy Fatally Shot In Frederick County Heartbroken

MIDDLETOWN, Md. (WJZ) -- An unthinkable crime in a Maryland backyard-- a golden retriever puppy shot dead. The family she belongs to thinks this is no accident.

Kai Jackson has more on the disturbing crime.

The owner of the puppy is absolutely heartbroken while authorities look for the suspect.

An adorable 7-month-old puppy named Heidi was being raised by Lynette Kaufmann. She takes in abandoned retrievers and cares for them.

The Frederick County woman was horrified Wednesday when the pup went missing, and was later found shot to death.

"She was a character," Kaufmann said. "She probably had more character than any other dog I've ever had."

Apparently, a neighbor found the dog.

It happened near Middletown, just 10 miles west of Frederick. And according to county animal control, the dog was shot three times between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"We're hoping that we get information that someone saw suspicious activity, that somebody heard shots fired," Harold Domer, director of Frederick County Animal Control, said.

It's unclear who's responsible but police say there is a trail they're following.

"They have to be sick," Kaufmann said. "I mean, you just don't shoot a little baby dog."

Police say they have two credible leads. Kaufmann said all of her dogs are well-behaved and she has not had any problems with her neighbors.

Anyone with information about the puppy's shooting is asked to call Frederick County Animal Control at (301) 600-1546.

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