The incredible recovery of Andre the dog: The brave pooch used as target practice found with eyes gouged out and left for dead has a new family



A small dog found with his eyes gouged out and nearly dead of starvation last month is slowly recovering thanks to his new owner.



Andre the dog was apparently used for target practice with a BB gun and discovered tied up inside a plastic bag inside a dumpster in Phoenix, Arizona.



Susie Hopkins, Andre's foster caretaker, says after surgery his eye sockets are healing well and he has a good appetite.

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Horrific: Andre the dog was apparently used for target practice with a BB gun and discovered tied up inside a plastic bag in a dumpster in Buckeye, Arizona

Andre now lives about 100mi northwest of Phoenix in Sedona with Ms Hopkins, who spoke to animal activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) about his ordeal.



'He must have been in so much pain. His eyes were hanging out of his head. He's been so neglected and abused,' she said.

As FOX News reports, the veterinarian who is treating Andre determined he is anaemic and diabetic.

Andre received a blood transfusion and is now on insulin.

Ms Hopkins says he is now taking short walks and sleeping most of the day as he recovers.



He is also eating every two hours as part of his recovery, but has warmed to his foster family and enjoys being pet.

Foster care: Andre's new caretaker says he enjoys being pet, is now taking short walks and is sleeping most of the day as he recovers

Left to die: Andre was found left in a plastic bag inside a dumpster near 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix, Arizona

Activists have so far raised over $8,700 for Andre's health care via fundraising website firstgiving.org.

Money will go to Feathers Foundation, a Paradise Valley, Arizona-based non-profit foundation 'created for the purpose of rescuing animals from neglect, euthanasia, and slaughter'.

PETA has offered a $1,000 reward for information on Andre's abuser. The Animal Guardian Network has said it will match that amount, raising the total reward to $2,000.

PETA Director Martin Mersereau has meanwhile condemned the person responsible, and emphasised the importance of finding the assailant.



Mr Mersereau said in a statement: 'Animal abusers are cowards. They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them.



'Phoenix residents have good reason to be concerned. According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals—including humans.'



Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident.



Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151.

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