PITTSBURGH -- A pit bull puppy is recovering after someone shot it Wednesday morning. It happened in the Garfield section of the city after most residents had left for work. Police have a description of the shooter, now they need your help.

According to the police report, neighbors in Garfield saw a young man shoot three or four times at a pit bull puppy. When officers went to look around, they found the dog bleeding behind a house on Hayes Street.

Just hours after the shooting, the 4-mont- old pit bull was alert, but in shock at the Animal Rescue League in Point Breeze.

"Autumn," as she's being called, was shot a number of times, including on her nose and arm.

Dr. Donna Hughes said, "I don't understand what kind of person would take an animal and use it for target practice."

Hughes isn't sure what type of weapon was used in the attack, although a pellet was found inside the puppy's stomach on an x-ray.

Right now, the biggest concern is helping the puppy breathe.

"She cannot get air through her nose and it is kind of unnatural for a dog to breathe through its mouth," Hughes said.

Despite the challenge ahead, doctors expect the puppy will make a full recovery and would like to see her go into a more caring environment.

In the meantime, police are looking for the person behind the attack.

The shooter is described as a young black man, about 20 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a stocky build. He was wearing dark clothes and a grey hooded top.

If you know anything about the shooting, you are asked to call police immediately.