Support Pablo’s recovery after he was shot multiple times by an air rifle.
Auckland
Our boy, Pablo, was shot six times with an air rifle, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.
When Pablo didn’t come home on Tuesday evening, we knew something was wrong. It was unlike him. We searched tirelessly, hoping he’d find his way home. Twenty-six hours later, he finally did.
Pablo had been shot with six air rifle pellets, suffered a broken leg, and was in hypothermic shock after significant blood loss. Despite his serious injuries, he somehow found the strength to crawl home.
Pablo is currently in intensive care and has undergone major surgery. One pellet came within 1/2 cm of his aorta, while others damaged his spleen, pancreas, liver, stomach, colon and leg. Two pellets passed through him, while four remained inside. Although surgery was successful, we’ve been advised we’re not out of the woods yet.
We’ve done everything we can to get Pablo the care he needs, using our personal savings and our family’s support. Our pet insurance only covered $2,000 of his treatment, ourselves covering $14,000 in veterinary costs so far, with an estimated $6–7k shortfall for ongoing treatment
We understand times are tough for everyone, but if you’re able to help, every donation will go directly towards Pablo’s ongoing treatment and recovery. If donating isn’t possible, simply sharing his story would mean just as much.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support. It means more to us than words can express. Your support gives Pablo the best possible chance to recover.
Every donation will go towards Pablo’s immediate veterinary treatment and recovery.
Update #4 7 August 2026
Update #4
7 August 2026
Hi everyone,
We’re incredibly grateful to share that we’ve almost reached our fundraising goal. We can’t believe how many people have rallied behind Pablo and shown him so much love and support. While it’s heartbreaking that something so cruel could happen, it’s also reminded us how many kind and compassionate people there are. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We’ve also been grateful for the media coverage of Pablo’s story, including One News and talkback radio, which has helped raise awareness. Unfortunately, despite this, we still haven’t received any communication from the police confirming that his case is being actively investigated.
Pablo’s update:
Pablo has been enjoying every cuddle since coming home. Yesterday he had his one-week post-operative check-up, where his splint was checked and he underwent further tests.
The good news is that he’s started eating small amounts on his own and is mostly in good spirits. However, his internal healing remains slow, and his body hasn’t yet started producing enough new red blood cells, so he’s still being monitored closely.
We’re only a few more days away from hopefully knowing whether his bowel has healed successfully. If everything continues to go well, we’ll be through the most life-threatening stage of his recovery.
Thank you for following Pablo’s journey, sharing his story, and keeping him in your thoughts.
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