Elderly dog whose front paws were cut off by the Mexican cartel is the frontrunner for Pet of the Year

An elderly dog who had his paws severed at the hands of a Mexican drug cartel has emerged as the front-runner for Pet of the Year.

Make sure the tissues are nearby for this one.

The gorgeous pooch, named Pay de Limon or Lemon Pie, could be crowned America’s 2023 favourite pet.

The prize includes appearing in a two-page spread in Catster or Dogster Magazine and a cheque for USD $5,000 (AUD $7,235).

Imagine all the doggie toys that would get you.

Pay de Limon had made headlines after he was found weeping in a dumpster after a run-in with heartless Mexican drug cartels in 2011.

The incident saw Pay de Limon’s paws cut off as the criminals tried to test effective torture methods for kidnap victims.

I know, I know, deep breaths, my friend.

"Milagros Caninos received a call 14 years ago saying that a dog's front paws had been cut off and thrown in the trash," said Patricia Ruiz, founder of the Milagros Caninos (Canine Miracles) shelter, as per France 24.

Pay de Limon was thankfully rescued and now walks with prostheses from the United States.

He is currently the only dog in the category for America’s Favourite Pet.

According to a website in the pooch’s honour, it describes Pay de Limon’s life as an ‘example of courage’ while adding he is a ‘hero’, as per Yahoo! News.

"The case of Pay de Limon has moved Mexicans, perhaps because it is a simple, brutal and moving proof of the cruelty of the drug cartels,” it continues.

Ruiz revealed that she founded Milagros Caninos after her own dog Salchicha died of suffocation.

"From that moment, I said to myself: I will help all the dogs who are suffering," she said, as per France 24.

"Milagros Caninos only takes in dogs in extreme situations. Dogs with cancer, without legs, blind, deaf, burnt, tortured, paralyzed, raped, drugged, beaten, mutilated," she added.

Ruiz revealed that Milagros Caninos has cared for around 3,000 to 4,000 dogs for almost two decades.

Currently, the shelter is home to around 300 animals.

It has a special area for disabled dogs, tortured dogs, senior dogs, cancer, quarantine, and rehabilitation areas.

If you would like to donate or learn more about Milagros Caninos, visit here.