Hobbs, the mixed Lab-bloodhound, still is on the mend after he was beaten this month with a board that had nails in it.

The man who reportedly admitted the beating to police now will face trial on cruelty charges, a district judge ruled today.

The suspect, Anthony Ansill, 25, today waived his right to a preliminary hearing on the charges.

Hobbs was left with a 12-inch gash in his chest after the July 18 beating at the Waite Street apartment in Arlington that Mr. Ansill shared with his roommate, Shawn Lea.

Mr. Lea told police he had left his dog in the care of Mr. Ansill for a short time. When he returned, the dog had been abused.

Mr. Ansill told investigators that he had not taken the animal outside to relieve itself, so the dog did its business inside the apartment.

Angered by the mess, Mr. Ansill struck Hobbs with the nail-laden board.

Pittsburgh police responded and contacted Katie Waters, a humane officer with Animal Friends.

Hobbs was unable to lie down and was having trouble standing, according to Jolene Miklas, spokeswoman for Animal Friends.

The dog was treated at the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Ohio Township.

He later was taken to a recovery room at Animal Friends.

Jolene Miklas, a spokeswoman at Animal Friends, said Hobbs' health steadily has improved. He now is up for adoption.

Anyone interested in adopting Hobbs or any other of the dozens of cats and dogs at Animal Friends can call 412-847-7000.