OXFORD, Ohio (WXIX/Gray News) – A pet turkey is recovering after suffering a dog attack while protecting other animals on his family’s property.
Thomas, a two-year-old turkey owned by Cara Zellers and her family, was bitten twice by a dog and is undergoing treatment at Oxford Veterinary Hospital.
Zellers discovered the attack after watching footage from her outdoor cameras, which showed a dog running through her yard.
She found Thomas hiding in the garage after the incident.
“It was terrifying because he’s such a special bird for our family,” Zellers said.
Turkey protected other animals
Zellers said Thomas was protecting the family’s other animals during the attack, including ducks, chickens and his mate Gamora, another turkey.
“We have ducks and chickens and his mate Gamora the turkey, and he protected all of them; they were all safe and put up by the time I got home, he was the only one that got injured,” she said.
Veterinarians said the attacking dog was acting on its hunting instincts.
Veterinarian Chantel Raghu, who is treating Thomas, said she and her team noticed the turkey’s personality during his care.
A video of Thomas posted by the veterinary hospital on TikTok has gathered millions of views.
“The wound he sustained and how brave and kind he was to us as we were taking care of him… he’s a really sweet animal,” Raghu said.
Family’s bond with Thomas
Zellers described Thomas as a family member who waits at the door when they come home and even helps their neighbor work on motorcycles.
“He’s just a part of our family. He waits for us at the door when we come home. Our neighbor works on motorcycles, and Thomas will go over and work on motorcycles with our neighbor,” she said.
Thomas has several more treatments scheduled as he continues to recover.
The family plans to take him to Bass Pro Shops to meet Santa.
