It's hard to believe a Pit-bull found starving with cigarette burns and his tail cut off can still be capable of love.
Beth Fedigan, president of the Laguna Madre Humane Society in Port Isabel, says that’s exactly the type of dog Petey is despite suffering unimaginable pain.
"He's been through hell," she said.
The Laguna Madre Humane Society is helping Petey with food, shelter and medical needs.
He's undergone several surgeries, including one to fix the area where she says his tail's been cut off.
"If it was an animal attack or something there would be other wounds, bite marks, so we feel it was done by a human in the most horrendous way," Beth said.
The dog was first rescued by a woman at 1421 Hayes Street in Brownsville.
Roxanne Card says he stumbled to her home last Sunday morning.
She described him as looking abused, starved and clinging to life.
"Once he saw me he just looked up at me with those eyes, like, just help me... I need help," she explained.
Roxanne sprang into action by contacting a neighbor who then posted Petey's plight online.
It's since generated worldwide response, according to the humane society.
Roxanne, who named the dog Petey after the television show Little Rascals, says it's hard for her to believe the abuse he suffered.
"He wasn't aggressive at all," she said. "I don't know why they would do that to him. He's just a friendly dog. You see him and he just wants to lick your face."
Beth can't say for sure, but she believes Petey may have served as a bait dog to entice larger Pit-bulls to fight.
"This dog has gone through his usefulness," Beth explained. "They can't do much more to him other than kill him so they let him go."
It's a death sentence for any dog-- except Petey.
The Laguna Madre Humane Society has already lined up a foster family to care for Petey once he's medically cleared.
Roxanne is glad to hear Petey has not only survived the barbaric attack but will hopefully live a better life.
"I'm extremely happy," she said.
It's a new leash on life thanks to people who care.
Anyone who would like to donate money to the Laguna Madre Humane Society, which specializes in rescuing abused and neglected animals, can contact (956) 943-3888.
Brownsville police are looking for information related to the alleged animal abuse.
Tipsters should call their Crime Stoppers line at 956-546-TIPS.
Click here to find the Laguna Madre Humane Society’s Facebook Page
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