Heartbreaking news of a dog that was brutally attacked by two other dogs has left animal lovers shattered. The poor pooch, now named Legend, was left with no ears and covered in scars after the vicious attack. His injuries were so severe that he had to be rushed to a vet clinic by a volunteer who answered Greenville County Animal Care’s urgent call.

Legend was rescued after two women out for a walk heard a commotion at a home. They went to investigate and saw two Pit bulls attacking the dog. They were tearing him to shreds so animal control was called and the three dogs were taken to Greenville County Animal Care.

When Alexay first saw Legend he was covered with blood and bite marks. His left ear had been ripped off and his right ear was hanging off a thread and he had bite marks all over his body.

“You could see all the puncture wounds from his shoulders forward,” Rizzo told The Greenville News. “A couple wounds were deep where blood was coming out when he moved.”

“The ER vet was not sure if he was going to make it,” she said. “Nothing was visibly broken. But the trauma to his body from all these wounds was just so great. And there’s only so much a little body can sustain.”

But Legend is a fighter and he made it through his first night. Over several days he was give surgery, given fluids and put on a feeding tube. And he started to get better.

His wounds swelled up a few days later. But he slowly he got better and better. With his medical bills mounting, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC stepped forward to help pay his medical bills. Jackie O’Sullivan, co-founder of the group, said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome and glad he’s alive. It’s a miraculous story and he’s touched a lot of people.”

Legend’s hearing is fine but his ears are gone and he’s covered in scars. But he is nothing but happy. His tail is constantly wagging and he loves nothing more than showering Fran with kisses.

“If you judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on an amazing story,” Fran said of Legend. “He’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever fostered in my life,” she gushes. “He constantly wants hugs and kisses.”

Fran says she thinks about keeping Legend every day, because the two have bonded so closely. But she knows she can’t continue to foster other dogs for Greenville County Animal Care, who desperately need fosters.

She hopes that more people will step up and help foster for Greenville County Animal Care because they really need the help.

In the meantime, Fran and Rescue Dogs Rock NYC is determined to find Legend the best home possible for him.

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10 Common Dog Health Problems

Some health problems are specific to certain breeds, such as breathing complications for flat-faced dogs. But several other canine health issues can affect any dog. Here are 10 typical health conditions you need to watch out for in your four-legged best friend:

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems

Skin Problems

One of the most obvious signs that your dog has a skin condition is itching. Other symptoms that may suggest that your dog has a skin problem include rashes, redness, dry skin, lumps, bumps, skin sores, dandruff, and hair loss.

Ear Diseases

Approximately 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease. It’s particularly common in breeds with floppy ears like cocker spaniels and basset hounds. It’s common to see wax buildup or discharge in their ear canal. But others may experience pain, itchiness, redness, swelling, and crusting in the ears.

Urinary Tract Infections

Simply known as UTI, this condition can make it uncomfortable for your beloved companion to pass urine. Signs of urinary tract infection include drinking water more than usual and passing urine more often than usual. Your dog may also only pass a small amount or lose bladder control. Additionally, you may see blood in their urine or notice a strong smell to it.

Vomiting

There are countless reasons why your pet may throw up. You don’t need to visit the vet each time your dog vomits. But it’s also not something you can just ignore. Don’t try to guess. If the vomiting persists or occurs with other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, you need to rush to the vet. It could be a sign of severe health problems, such as poisoning or gastrointestinal blockage.

Diarrhea

This symptom may occur on its own or be accompanied by vomiting. Its potential causes are similar to vomiting. One or two episodes of diarrhea may not be a pet emergency. But recurring diarrhea can result in dehydration.

Parasites

At some point in their lives, your pet may have to deal with discomfort due to internal or external parasites. Symptoms of parasites generally vary, depending on a few factors. These include the kind of parasite that has plagued your pet, where it lives, and how severe its infestation is.

Dental Issues

Like us, your dog can develop canine dental diseases due to high levels of plaque buildup. Several signs indicate that your pet may have dental disease. These include difficulty eating, bleeding of the gums or teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Obesity

Nearly 30 percent of the general dog population is considered obese. Several factors contribute to a pet’s risk. These include age, genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, and overfeeding, among others.

Arthritis

This joint problem can restrict your dog’s mobility. Bring Fido to the vet if you see your dog slow down or limp before and after walks. Other signs include licking or chewing on tender areas and behavioral changes.

Poisoning

Symptoms of dog poisoning vary widely, depending on the kind of toxin a pet has been exposed to. The signs can range from vomiting to drooling, breathing difficulties, seizures, or worse, coma. Some of the most common poisonous substances are human foods like chocolates, grapes, raisins, onions, and caffeine. Other known culprits are human medications, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some plants.