A Boxer-mix severely burned and found by a homeless man needs help to restore his health. The dog, named Rocky, was found wandering outside of a property where a blaze had destroyed a warehouse. The dog escaped the fire, but suffered burns over his entire body. He must have slipped by firefighters and emergency responders as they fought the blaze.

The area of Houston, Texas where Rocky was found is an area where animals are often abandoned and become strays. Bystanders at the scene of the fire were concerned there may have been animals inside. The following day, a group of animal rescuers came to the site to see if they could find any animals in need. While there, they were approached by Don Tonio. He is currently homeless and had found Rocky huddled under a car. He gave Rocky some food and a blanket. Jae Malik, one of the volunteer rescuers, told HLNTV, "A person down on his own luck, who just lost his apartment, gives up a blanket and shares what food he has with Rocky - that engages anyone with a soul."  She added, "Then you see Rocky, that clinches it...If a homeless guy can give him a blanket, who are we to walk away?"

They took the dog to the Aldine Animal Hospital but as Rocky had burns to 25% of his body, they thought he most likely faced humane euthanasia. But Rocky is fighting to live. "It breaks my heart to see an animal in this condition," she said. "I have hope that things are going to get better for him." She and several other rescue volunteers began funding Rocky's medical treatment out of their own pockets. He will need multiple surgeries to help Rocky walk again and to heal his skin. Treatment could cost up to $10,000.

The independent group of volunteers have set up a Facebook page "Help Rocky Rise" and are currently raising money to help for his care, feeling Rocky is worth the chance. "This dog has not growled, has not snapped, has shown zero aggression with all of us, while undergoing such a tribulation," said Jae. "That will to live that he shows, while he remains loving, you have to help."

Rocky has just had his first procedure of three planned surgeries. Dr. Briles at Aldine Animal Hospital gave a brief overview of Rocky's burns in the video below.

if you would like to donate to Rocky's care you can:

• Give online to their ChipIn 
• Mail a check payable to Aldine Animal Clinic, 440 Aldine Bender Road, Houston, TX 77060, USA and mention Rocky the Boxer (File#10705) or call them at at (281) 448-3256.

• Boxer
• burns
• Texas
• Aldine Animal Clinic
• Houston