A Gastonia police officer, Matthew Whisnant, is being hailed as a hero after he rescued a pit bull named Paco, who had been shot in the leg. Responding to a report of gunfire, Whisnant found the injured dog and, despite the severity of the situation, managed to stop the bleeding and transport Paco to a nearby veterinary clinic within minutes. Witnesses, including neighbor Patricia Starling, recounted the urgency of the rescue, with Starling expressing her horror at seeing the injured dog but also highlighting Paco's gentle nature despite his trauma. Following treatment, Paco has recovered and returned home to his family two days later, who credited Whisnant with saving their pet's life. The police are still investigating the shooting incident, seeking information on the perpetrator. Whisnant emphasized his commitment to saving lives, whether human or animal, stating, 'Saving lives is our very first priority.'