FARMINGTON, N.M. (March 17, 2010)--The patient was only slightly injured when he limped into a hospital in the northwest New Mexico city of Farmington, but the patient was dog.

When the automatic doors at San Juan Regional Medical Center's emergency room slid open Saturday night, the pooch walked in, with blood on his nose and paw, and a puncture in one leg.

Animal control officer Robin Love, who responded to a call from the hospital, suspects the puncture wound was from the result of a bite by another dog.

Loev said the German shepherd mix appeared to be intelligent and calm and knew enough to go to the right place.

The animal was taken to the Farmington Animal Shelter where its owner later claimed it.