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Neglected German Shepherd Needs Thousands In Medical Care

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Animal advocates are working to raise money to pay for medical care for Tucker, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, that they say was neglected.

Tucker playfully walked right up to our CBS4 cameras at the VCA Animal Hospital, where he is receiving care. Dr. David Shapiro says Tucker will survive the neglect he suffered but it will be a lengthy, painful and costly road.

"He has pressure sores that are so deep, it's almost exposing the underlying bones," Shapiro told CBS 4's Carey Codd. "Just the neglect from not eating, from having these wounds that are so deep, he's got to be in a lot of pain."

Shapiro believes Tucker got those sores from being confined and laying on his side for lengthy periods. Tucker also has a skin infection over most of his body. He'll need multiple surgeries and months of recovery, Shapiro said. But Shapiro says Tucker does have one big thing going for him -- his personality.

"Most dogs that are abused, neglected, they are afraid of people," Shapiro said. "He doesn't have that same fear. He's very sweet."

Cindy Newton with SHARE -- Shepherd Help and Rescue Efforts -- got a call the other day about Tucker from animal care officials in Miami. She says Tucker's owner surrendered him in Miami-Dade.

"I can't even tell you what I think of somebody who would allow a dog to get in this condition," she said. "You wouldn't be able to put it on TV."

She told us that police are investigating how Tucker wound up in this condition.

"We can only hope and pray that they follow through and whoever did this to him is held accountable," Newton said.

Newton is coordinating the fundraising effort for Tucker. She says they've already raised thousands but will likely need thousands more to get Tucker back healthy and strong. She believes he deserves it.

"He's gonna be an awesome dog and we're gonna find him a wonderful home, and he's gonna live a great life," Newton said.

If you want to help Tucker with his medical care, click here.

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