MOSSY HEAD — The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in tracking down the person responsible for killing a 2-year-old Rottweiler named Helo.
The dog was found Saturday by horseback riders in a wooded area near Richardson Road in Mossy Head. He had been missing for just two days.
“My dog was brutalized,” said Jordan Denius, a member of the family who adopted Helo as a puppy.
Helo’s body was decomposed when he was discovered, according to a Sheriff’s Office report. He was shot, castrated and had a blue rope was around his neck.
Deputies believe the dog was shot in the shoulder with a shotgun, most likely at a different location, the report said.
Helo’s family can barely speak about the canine without breaking down in tears. He was adopted as a guard dog, but turned out to be the opposite.
“He was the goofiest animal I have ever seen,” said Denius. “He was always just so full of joy.”
Jessica Austin, Jordan’s sister, started a Facebook page Justice for Helo. It updates the page’s 2,000-plus fans on the investigation.
The support has been overwhelming, Austin said.
“We knew he was a special puppy,” she said. “We’re finding out just how special he is.”
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Calls can be made to 863-TIPS (8477) or reported online at emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.