Seriously-injured Buck is comforted by his rescuer Tami Augustyn. Photo: Facebook

A badly-injured mixed breed dog who was shot, dumped in a garbage bag, tied to a fence and left to die, has survived thanks to a Good Samaritan and dog lovers who came to his aid.

A man was driving on a road in Conroe, Texas, when he noticed a garbage bag that was tied to a fence was moving. When the man ripped open the bag and found the 3-year-old dog covered in blood and freezing cold. The dog had been shot in the head and had pellets riddled all over his body. The dog staggered from the bag and collapsed to the ground.

The Good Samaritan couldn't reach animal control so he called his neighbor Tami Augustyn, who is an animal lover and who he knew helps animals in trouble.

Tami rushed to the hurt dog and immediately took him to the Animal Emergency Clinic of Conroe. He was treated for hypothermia after spending an estimated 10 hours in the bag (another resident said they had noticed the bag on the roadside at 2 am). The dog also had to be treated for multiple pellet wounds to his mouth, eyes, body and neck.

Tami knew Buck was in serious trouble and his injuries would mean large medical bills, so she set up a Facebook page, Buck Needs Bucks, and appealed for help.

Buck is recovering from surgery but likely has permanent damage to his hearing, sight and brain. Photo: Facebook

She received an overwhelming response from animal lovers worldwide. According to Buck's ChipIn, she was able to raise more than $39,000 to go towards Buck's care since January 5.

Tami posted earlier on Facebook, "The last 24 hours [have] been overwhelming for me. I have gone from not knowing if I would have enough money to pay for Buck’s emergency bill to having an unbelievable amount of money to provide THE BEST care possible for Buck’s recovery."

As result of his injuries, Buck will likely be blind, although at this point it is unknown to what extent he may be able to see. In addition to eye damage, Buck has also likely suffered brain damage and damage to his hearing.

Buck will have a long road to recovery. But since receiving medical care, Buck has begun to walk again and his tail wags when given attention. He is bonding wit Tami and she has decided to adopt Buck into her family. She also plans to use the extra funds raised to establish The Buck Foundation to help other abused dogs like Buck. Buck is now at home and being cared for by Tami.

Animal Cruelty officers for Montgomery County are currently investigating the case. The bag in which Buck was found is being fingerprinted and the police are asking anyone with any information to contact Montgomery County Animal Control or Crime Stoppers of Montgomery County.

• pellet
• buckshot
• Texas
• Conroe