Veterinarians say they are "cautiously optimistic" about a dog's survival chances after it was shot Thursday night.

The shooting was an accident, according to police, who said the shooter was "distraught." The woman, identified as 50-year-old Julie Carbonetti, was allegedly reassembling a handgun in her garage when it accidentally discharged and hit the family dog.

Police say Carbonetti may have been drinking at the time of the incident. She was served and released on gun-related charges.

The pup was rushed to an emergency veterinarian clinic and was in stable condition as of late Thursday night.