Created: 4/11/2008 11:55:50 AM 
Greensboro, NC -- The owners of a therapy dog who nearly died from a gunshot wound say the animal is improving, but still has a long way to go for a full recovery.
Her owners say Heli is a gentle dog used to bring comfort to others. She was shot by a neighbor while chasing another dog earlier this week.
In an e-mail, Heli's owner Bruce Becker says the dog is continuing to improve. "She stood up for the first time today," he writes, "and when we went to see her at 1:30 her tail wagged for the first time. She also ate a special meatball the doctor gave her as well and is getting continued medication and food through needles in her paws."
Becker says his family received hundreds of e-mails from supporters as far away as Oklahoma and "too many calls to count."
The Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital, where Heli is a regular, is hosting a fundraiser for Heli on Saturday April 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The event will include a bake sale, car washing and pet washing.
Related: Therapy Dog Clings To Life
WFMY News 2
