Paw and Order? Tennessee Pit Bull Accidentally Shoots His Owner

Written by: Sam Orlando

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - As if pit bulls didn’t already have enough of a public relations problem, one Tennessee pup has now managed to add “suspected shooter” to the list of concerns.

On March 10, Jerald Kirkwood of Memphis found himself in a truly head-scratching situation when he called 911 and reported that he had been shot—by his dog. Yes, you read that right.

According to police reports, Kirkwood was lounging in bed with his girlfriend when his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, decided to jump up and join the cuddle session. But instead of just getting cozy, Oreo inadvertently got a little too trigger-happy—literally. The dog’s paw got tangled in the trigger guard of a firearm lying on the bed, causing it to discharge and graze Kirkwood’s left thigh.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, no doubt expecting anything but an armed and dangerous canine. Fortunately for Kirkwood, his injuries were minor, and he was treated at a local hospital before being released. Oreo, on the other hand, has not been taken into custody—yet.

While this might sound like a storyline from a slapstick comedy, it’s a stark reminder about the importance of proper firearm storage. Accidental shootings involving pets and even toddlers have happened before, proving that a gun left unsecured can lead to some truly bizarre consequences.

As for Oreo, he remains blissfully unaware of his newfound reputation as a four-legged marksman. Maybe next time, Kirkwood will opt for a squeaky toy instead of a loaded weapon on the bed.