El Paso pup that lost leg gets second chance at life; old owner investigated for possible animal abuse

The pit bull pup wagged her tail excitedly as she moved from person to person, relishing in the love and attention of each pat on the head and word of encouragement.

When she turns to the side, that’s when you see that Gracie isn’t a normal pup. She’s been through a tough time in her life and is continuing to adjust.

Gracie’s right hind leg was amputated after it developed gangrene when the chain she was tied to wrapped around her leg in her old owner’s yard. Gracie’s companion dog at the time had a chain that wrapped around his neck, hanging and killing him.

The two pit bull’s old owner is being investigated for possible animal cruelty.

While the investigation continues, Gracie is moving on with her third name.

“They said her name was Lego because when they brought the vet said ‘that leg’s gotta go’ and it’s a cute name but it really didn’t suit her. It was reflective of her past so we named her Grace because she, like all of us, are saved by grace,” said Bess Sirmon-Taylor, Gracie’s new owner.

Hugo Navarro, who responds to animal welfare calls for Animal Services, has seen it all. He said it doesn’t get any easier.

“I see these animals in these conditions, and I just wish I could do more,” Navarro said. “I just wish there were tougher laws out there.”

Gracie rescued by Animal Services and put into a foster home by From the Heart, an organization that works with Animal Services to place and rehabilitate abused animals.

Navarro said they get about 100 animal cruelty calls a month. He said about 80 percent of those are things that can be corrected like adding shade or water for the animals.