GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas -- Officials from a South Texas animal shelter hope public outcries over a dog found with its tongue cut out will call attention to the growing problem of animal cruelty in the area.

SEEKING DONATIONS Southern Animal Rescue Association P.O. Box 813 Seguin, TX 78256

Four months ago in Victoria, Reno, a boxer, arrived at a Guadalupe County animal shelter with some 400 other dogs. His owner couldn't take care of the dog, who needs a tongue to relieve himself in the sweltering summer heat.

Tracy Frank, who runs the Southern Animal Rescue Association on a patch of ranchland between Seguin and La Vernia, said that Reno couldn't lap water so he has to sip water through a water bottle.

"He overheats easily because he can't pant, and dogs pant to cool off," Frank said. "Then, there's the drool factor."

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Homer Is One Of The Animals At Southern Animal Rescue Association

Frank said that she is no stranger to animals with problems. Homer, a pig, suffered a broken back on his way to the slaughterhouse. Another dog had his eyes removed.

But there is hope for Reno. Even with his disability, there have been offers for adoption.

"We had people from Illinois, North Carolina, Wisconsin that are definitely interested in him," animal shelter board member Melissa Shook said. "There is a man from Illinois who's ready to get in his car and drive down to get him."

Frank said that they hope Reno's plight helps other animals living at the shelter and calls attention to animal cruelty cases.

Recently, two men were convicted of setting "Mufasa" the cat on fire in San Antonio. Both are serving jail sentences.

Police also are searching for suspects in the case of a girl's cat found hanging behind her home.

As for Reno, shelter officials said that they want people to hear his story and remember that animals are living creatures too.