Wounded pup found in West Philly recovering

A severely wounded pit bull puppy, believed to be a dogfighting survivor, is being nursed back to health, and animal rescuers hope to soon put it up for adoption.

The black-and-white pup was found by Philadelphia Animal Care and Control officers Feb. 10, staggering on Merion Avenue near 45th Street in West Philadelphia, covered in bite marks and close to death.

The dog, later named Kelly, is being cared for by Animal Alliance, an animal-rescue nonprofit agency in Lambertville, N.J.

She is recuperating under the care of a foster family in Somerset County, N.J. Once healthy, Animal Alliance will put her up for adoption.

"She's such an amazingly sweet dog," said Kelly Vanasse, the pup's foster mom. "She ran right up to my 8-year-old daughter and started licking her cheek."

Based on her wounds, officials believe that Kelly was used as a "bait dog" in a dogfighting operation.

Bait dogs are thrown between two powerful dogs to begin a dogfight. The larger dogs typically tear the bait dog to shreds before fighting each other.

Bait dogs are usually killed in the ring or by their owners. Some, like Kelly, are abandoned. Kelly's injuries - open wounds on her legs, ears and head - are common for bait dogs.

Most disturbingly, the pup's lower jaw was badly broken by a dog bite, leaving the bone exposed.

Three New Jersey veterinarians, one specializing in orthopedic surgery, treated Kelly at a reduced fee.

She is being fed an all-liquid diet and faces four to six weeks of rehabilitation.