Officials say a teenage boy is facing charges after throwing a dog off a bridge on Highway 119. They say it happened Tuesday in the Totz community of Harlan County.

Sherry Bush says she was driving on Highway 119 when she saw two boys on the side of the road.

"I looked and seen the dog's legs kicking, and they were up on the rail, and the next thing I know the dog was gone, and they were running," says Bush.

She says by the time she was able to turn around, it was too late.

"They said it's sick. I said that's no reason to throw the dog off the bridge, and one of the boys said we couldn't get in touch with police or take it to a doctor. I said so, you still didn't have to throw it off the bridge ... I'm calling police," says Bush.

Bush says she gave police a description of a pick-up truck she says picked up the two boys. She then was surprised to see that the dog survived.

"You could tell it was hurt and shaking like it was freezing or something, and I felt so sorry for it. I couldn't get down there to get it," says Bush.

"She couldn't stand, sit up, she was limp, seemed to be in a lot of pain," says Harlan County Animal Control officer Duncan Caldwell.

Animal control officials rescued the puppy, which they are naming Totzie, after the Totz bridge she was thrown off. They say she likely has a broken pelvis, and lots of bruises, but she can now standup and walk again. Officials say the cocker spaniel puppy was most likely healthy before the incident. They say if someone had not been driving by at the right time, she probably would have not survived.

"The dog would still be laying there, emaciated, it would've starved to death and died," says Caldwell.

But now Totzie is being treated and expected live. Officials say an orthopedic doctor will be taking a look at her to see what kind of treatment she needs. Totzie will then be taken to The Woodstock Foundation in Lexington where she will be cared for further until she is ready for adoption.

Police say they have identified the boy they believe is responsible for actually dropping the dog off the bridge, but they are not identifying the suspect since he is under 18. They say an arrest will come soon. Officials say they plan to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law. The teen could face felony animal cruelty charges under the new Romeo Law in Kentucky.

Those interested in Totzie should call Friends of the Shelter at (606) 573-8867. The address is Friends of the Shelter, Box 778, Baxter, Kentucky, 40806.