Created: 7/17/2006 9:41:05 PM 
By Lindy Thackston First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Officer Tanya Nelson patrols some rough sections of Jacksonville, but she's a softy when it comes to animals.
In fact, some of the guys on her JSO squad call her the "beast master."
"I'm the one they call when there are dogs in people's yards and everybody's scared," said Officer Nelson. "I'm the one that they send."
Officer Nelson is at Animal Care and Control every free second she gets.
So while on a call, it was no surprise something next door caught her eye.
"I think I was sent there for a reason."
Officer Nelson says there was a dog tied to a lawn tractor, with its back leg bone completely exposed.
"There was no meat, just a bone, and so I did what any normal, decent human being would do," said Officer Nelson. "I immediately called animal control."
53-year-old Lizzie Williams was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.
Police believe the dog's leg had gotten caught on its chain, and the leg bone had been exposed for weeks.
Kimberly Niessen is the staff veterinarian at Animal Care and Control.
"I was appalled and wanted as soon as I could to do something for this dog," said Dr. Niessen.
And she did just that.
Dr. Niessen amputated the dog's leg. It took six hours.
Now, the dog is wagging her tail and playing with toys.
She is hooked up to antibiotics, and appears to be developing tetanus, so she has a long way to go, but is alive.
She's even able to stand.
"Every time I see her it brings tears to my eyes," said Officer Nelson.
Officer Nelson has offered to give the dog a foster home while she gets better.
"I think that the dog knows that I'm the one that found it and I think she's grateful."
The arrest report says Williams told police she'd been putting peroxide on the dog's leg.
It will be several weeks before it's known whether the dog can be adopted.
Five other dogs were taken from the home.
The city paid for the dog's surgery. If you'd like to make a donation, contact Animal Care and Control 904-387-8924.
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