April 11, 2008

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. -- Choosing between life or limb, a Tennessee Saint Bernard has a remarkable survival story, but it came at the result of animal cruelty.

Readers, please, be warned, this story may not be suitable for everyone due to its graphic content.

Nicknamed Panda by rescuers, the dog was found hobbling on three legs at the home of Adolfo Lopez.

The discovery was made Tuesday, April 1, when county investigators followed up on a tip.

“It’s probably one of the most horrible animal cruelty cases I’ve seen,” said Nancy McEntee, an animal cruelty investigator for Monroe County.

Investigators believe Panda became trapped between her collar and wire cord, which lead the desperate animal to gnaw off her own leg to escape.

“The tendons were hanging out, the bone was exposed,” said McEntee. “We found out later she had maggots in the injury, which says it was long-term, it didn’t just happen overnight.”

The Saint Bernard was taken to a vet at the Monroe County Friends of Animals, where the rest of her hind leg was amputated. Currently, she is with the Smokey Mountain Saint Bernard Rescue, where she will stay until a new home is found for her.

“She’s getting along great with her leg, you know,” said Weaver. “It ain’t stopped her. She’s still got the heart of a Saint, so we’re really proud of being able to help her in her time of need right now, to let her know that there ain’t just mean people out there ... there’s kind hearted ones, too.”

With applications from possible new owners being accepted, Weaver is fostering and rehabilitating Panda in her own home.

“We think Panda’s going to be one of the lucky ones to make it,” said Weaver.

While the investigation continues, Lopez -- the alleged owner -- was charged with animal cruelty on Thursday, April 3.

Now, the Monroe County Friends of Animals is hoping the owner will be made responsible for the vet bill of more than $1,000. Until then, the shelter will rely on donations to cover Panda’s expenses.

To make a donation, the shelter can be reached at friendsofanimalsmc. Adoption information for Panda can be found at smokeymountainsaints.tripod.com.

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Brittany Bailey, WBIR News, contributed to this article.