Jasper is a two-year-old Lab mix in Moab, UT, who needs $2,000 for critical care.

Jasper was found struggling to walk to his water bowl in 109-degree heat on a reservation in New Mexico. Originally rescuers thought he had been hit by a car. It was clear he was in agony and needed to get to an animal hospital immediately, but his owner could not afford his care. Someone got in touch with Underdog Rescue, and the organization rushed him to Mill Creek Animal Hospital.

He arrived filthy, suffering, and scared. "We aren't totally sure of Jasper's personality," Chiara S., who helped the rescue with Jasper's care, tells Waggle. "We have only seen him in a great deal of pain and very lethargic. However, in my visits to him at the hospital, he has been incredibly sweet. His kind eyes are always happy to see me. I think he knows we are doing everything we can to help him get better!"

The rescue soon learned Jasper has a broken back; one of his lower vertebrae is fractured. "The veterinarians wonder if it happened from some sort of downward stress like someone stomped on him, or perhaps something could have fallen on him," Caroline D., with the rescue, tells Waggle. "He's on a lot of medication and still in a lot of pain."

Jasper has an entire medical team tending to him. The rescue has spent thousands of dollars on his care, including X-rays, specialists, and medications. He has to remain at the veterinarian's office and on strict rest while they see if his vertebrae will heal on its own. Unfortunately, surgery won't help Jasper, but he is making friends during his long stay at the animal hospital. "Everyone that has come in contact with him has been greeted with a willingness to be helped and sweetness from this injured boy," Chiara adds. "I can't wait to see him get the help needs and make a full recovery."

Underdog Rescue is a nonprofit organization that depends on donations to help Jasper and the more than 1400 dogs the group has saved from the Four Corners reservations of the American Southwest. They help provide medical services, spay and neuter resources, and adoption services while supporting Native Americans in the care of their animals.

"We know that in situations like this if we don't help the dog, they will likely be left to die," Chiara says. "We do our best to help as many animals from the reservation as we possibly can at Underdog. Knowing Jasper's vet bill will greatly exceed $2,000, any contribution helps."