Family of Beloved Dog Shot Due to 'Barking' Opens Up About the Tragic Story

On March 30th, deputies from Mankato, Minnesota were dispatched to the 400 Block of Neubert Lane in South Bend Township after they received a call that a dog had been shot while napping on the deck of a family home.

Preston Fleischer, who lives in South Bend Township, received a call from his youngest son that their beloved dog Lily had been shot. Fleisher's two sons were also in the home when Lily was killed.

Alyssa DeBill, Lily's owner along with Fleischer, shared the above post on Facebook. The post reads, in part, "Someone walked up our driveway in daylight (to which of course she's going to bark and alert those in the house) and shot Lily in the chest and killed her. We, along with at least 1 other neighbor in the area received a note on our doors stating that 'if our dogs bark again they will be killed'. We notified the Blue Earth Co Sheriff's office. We are still waiting for answers but we are trying to stay hopeful. "

I spoke with DeBill, and she had this to say about her beloved dog.

"I adopted Lily in September 2018, she was 8 years old when she was killed. I have 4 stepkids, they all loved her so much and she loved them even more. They would play and dance with her all the time. If they were getting rowdy, she'd always pop in the middle of them and tell them to calm down. Whenever anyone needed her, whether it be a bad dream, or being upset, she was always right next to us snuggling and comforting us."

Two of the four kids were at home during the shooting, and DeBill added:

"Luckily only 2 of the 4 were there and they were feet away from the door. We live in a very secluded area and there are lots of stray cats and other wildlife. We'd only let our dogs out on the deck for only about 30 minutes or so at a time or until they let us know they were ready to come in. Lily loved laying out in the sun, she would sleep there for hours if we'd let her. She always was protecting us. So it's just so shocking that someone had to go completely out of their way to do this."

Related: Actress Angie Harmon’s Beloved Dog Shot and Killed by Instacart Driver

DeBill has been in contact with the sheriff's office and she added:

"As of right now we have no idea but the Sheriff's department has been out here multiple times and been in constant communication with us and neighbors to hopefully catch this person before they can do it to anyone else." 

DeBill no longer feels safe in her home, so in addition to the death of their dog, the family is considering relocating. She added:

"I'll definitely miss everything about her. She had a beautiful smile that brightened everyone's day and loved to give kisses. She didn't have a mean bone in her body and everyone who met her absolutely loved her. She spread so much love and joy, she is definitely missed by many."

I can't even imagine how horrific this was for the family, especially for the kids who found Lily.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Department posted on Facebook:

 "The threatening notes, surveillance footage and additional evidence has been collected. The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office at (507) 304-4863." 

The Fleisher/DeBill family have a fundraiser set up to help them pay for moving expenses and Lily's cremation. You can donate here.

 Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.