Fennel is a four-month-old German Shepherd mix in Norwalk, CT, who needs $1,500 for urgent care.

Fennel started his life in one of the worst places in the U.S. for dogs: South Texas. Countless sick and injured dogs live on the streets. Only the lucky ones get saved.

When PAWS, the Pet Animal Welfare Society in CT, first saw Fennel's picture and cute face, they knew they had to rescue him.

Once he arrived in New England, the group got quite a shock: the pup had two infected, gaping, oozing lacerations on his leg. Fennel was limping in pain and needed emergency care. "We don't know how it happened," Ellen E., with PAWS, tells Waggle. "He could have had a terrible history. Maybe he was stabbed? Or perhaps he just got caught on something?"

They rushed him to VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, where the medical team cleaned Fennel's wounds, put a drain in the larger laceration, and sutured it closed. "If it had been left untreated, he could have lost his leg," Ellen says.

Once Fennel heals up, he will be ready for adoption and ready to find his forever home. "He is smart, sweet, and a sensitive boy who will do well with an active family," Ellen says. "He is a very friendly pup who gets along with everyone. He has such a great disposition. He is outgoing and comfortable with people and other animals. He is a perfect size and will be someone's best friend."

PAWS relies on donations to help pay the medical bills for all the animals the organization saves, including Fennel. They're hoping you will pitch in this holiday season and help them pay off his emergency veterinary tab. "We thank everyone for their kindness to come to his aid," Ellen says.

Will you help Fennel get back on all four feet again?