Justice for Buddy (graphic image)

 While Buddy, a stray Labrador retriever mix, recovers after being intentionally set on fire by a child in Mississippi, a petition drive, Justice for Buddy, continues to garner signatures, and dozens of adoption applications have been submitted.

"He's a loving, forgiving dog," Sandy Williams, shelter director of the Tunica Humane Society, said. "I don't know how he's come through this and kept his tender heart, but he has. He's going to make somebody an exceptional dog."

Williams said they hope to adopt Buddy, and his stray pal, Snoop, together. 

Buddy was found dazed and in shock on Peavine Road in East Tate County on April 22. He had an extension cord twisted around his neck and his face had been set on fire.

A reward of more than $10,000 leading to information and conviction was offered in the following days. Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance then said a 12-year-old admitted to setting Buddy on fire. Because of his age, Lance said under Mississippi law the child could not be prosecuted.

Sheri Webb, a Georgia woman, learned of Buddy's plight and the law,  started a petition drive on Change.org.  Here's the link: 
https://www.change.org/p/state-of-mississippi-justice-for-buddy.

Buddy has been under the vet school's care since April 26, has had two skin graft surgeries performed using North Atlantic Cod fish skin. The fish skins were provided by Kerecis, a medical fish skin company.

While he will likely be able to see, the fire damaged his lids and tear ducts, preventing them from producing enough oil in the tears. Swanson said his eventual adoptive parents will need to use artificial tears to make sure his eyes remain wet enough.

Through everything, Buddy has remained loving and trusting. Swanson said he will cuddle up to his caretakers, resting his head on them, and has even ventured outside, exploring on his own without any help.

"He's very beloved here, he's in all of our hearts," Swanson said. "He's really one special dog."

Williams said she continues to receive updates on Buddy and is excited to soon reunite him with "best friend" Snoop, who is now at the shelter.

The two dogs became strays after their owner gave them up. Williams said they were well known in the area, and a man said the dogs would visit his porch, where he left beds for them to use.