The pooch to the right is Andre, a miniature pinscher who had his eyes gouged out of his head, likely by the same savage who used the little guy for BB-gun target practice.
We're told Andre was found in an empty lot near 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix about two weeks ago (the location of where the dog was found is unclear, though. More on that below). When he was found, he was tied in a plastic bag and left for dead.
Susy Hopkins, who rescued Andre from a County shelter, gives the following description of Andre's condition when she adopted him: "He [was] so thin and has multiple bb's lodged under his skin. His eye sockets [were] so filled with puss that they are draining out his nose and running down his face. He was severely dehydrated and looks like a skeleton.
"He must have been in so much pain. His eyes were hanging out of his head," she continues. "He's been so neglected and abused."
As Susy notes, though, Andre had "the will to live."
Susy brought Andre to Sonora Veterinary Specialists, where he received a blood transfusion on Saturday.
His
eye sockets have since been stitched up, and he's starting to pack on
pounds -- now that he's in the care of someone willing to feed him. Now,
he's apparently in pretty good shape considering the abuse he suffered.
Tracking down who did this to Andre might be tough -- it's unclear exactly where he was found.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says he was found near the aforementioned intersection -- 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix. However, Phoenix police tell New Times they've been told the dog was found in Prescott Valley.
In other words, it doesn't appear that any law enforcement agency currently is trying to find out who hurt the dog -- not because they don't care, but because it's unclear which agency has jurisdiction.
Dr. Deborah Wilson, a veterinarian with Circle L Ranch Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, says a form needs to be filled out in order for the shelter where Andre was first taken to release the identity of the person who brought him in -- which, obviously, would shed some light on where the dog was found.
Wilson says she just received the form last night, and that Hopkins is in the process of filling it out.
Phoenix Sergeant Tommy Thompson tells us he's looking into where the dog was found. He says he probably won't have any information until tomorrow.
Check back for updates.
Andre's expected to need additional surgery -- which doesn't come cheap. Click here to find out how you can help.
