A pit bull puppy was recovering after being shot at least twice -- once in the muzzle and once in the right front paw yesterday morning.

City police were called to Hays Street in East Liberty about 8:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found the wounded 3- to 4-month-old puppy. She was taken to the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania for treatment.

Dr. Donna Hughes, the medical director there, said she believes the cream-colored dog with a white stripe down the middle of her nose was shot with a BB gun. An X-ray showed a BB in the dog's stomach, which she may have either swallowed or inhaled.

The dog, who is being called "Autumn" right now, also has a torn right ear, Hughes said. Though the puppy did not have tags or a collar, she does not appear to be malnourished or mistreated in other ways.

Hughes said the puppy is likely to recover and is expected to be available for adoption within a month.

"They're very loving dogs," Hughes said, referring to pit bulls. "They would do anything for their humans. Unfortunately, the humans will teach them to do awful things."