BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A 74-year-old Whatcom County woman was cited for malicious mischief and could face animal cruelty charges after shooting a 6-month-old puppy that strayed into her yard on Friday.

Sheriff's deputies say Evelyn Ward also put children in danger when she shot the dog near Lake Samish, south of Bellingham

Vicki Hassi bought the golden retriever pup named Bandit for her two boys.

"He was the mellowest puppy you could imagine," said Hassi.

Friday afternoon, Bandit found his way out of the family's fenced yard and wandered next door where there was a family gathering.

Children were following him around when Bandit wandered into another neighbor's yard.

"It was within seconds that they heard 'boom,'" said Hassi.

No sooner had he crossed the neighbors property line, witnesses say owner Evelyn Wade shot Bandit with a rifle.

The bullet pierced Bandit's spine, leaving him paralyzed.

People at the family gathering told Hassi they felt lucky, telling Hassi if it hadn't been the dog, it would have been one of their kids.

Sheriff's deputies are investigating Wade for possible animal cruelty charges.  They have already cited her for discharging a firearm.

"It was basically an endangering situation where someone could have been hit," said Whatcom County Chief Deputy Jeff Parks.

"You guys act like it's a murder," said Wade when we went to talk to her about the shooting.

When asked whether she believed she put children in jeopardy when she opened fire, Wade responded, "No. I didn't even know they were there."

Hassi says that seems very unlikely, and beside the point that someone could have been seriously hurt or worse.

As for Bandit, he had to be put to sleep.

"I'm so sad about it.  I can't believe someone would do this," said Hassi.

Aiming or discharging a weapon is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The Hassis have filed a harassment injunction against Wade, saying they believe they're in real danger as long as she's in the neighborhood.