Max is a 3-year-old Poodle mix in Henderson, NV, who needs $2,000 for reconstructive surgery.

When the team at Animal Angels Rescue Foundation read a list of dogs needing to be saved from their local shelter, they paused when they got to Max.

"A little nine-pound poodle mix immediately caught our eye because he had no pictures available since his injuries were too awful to show," Bobbie S., with the nonprofit group, tells Waggle.

They immediately took him into their rescue and were shocked when they first saw him.

"Max had something tied around his muzzle several times, causing deep open wounds and disfigurement," Bobbie says. "The shelter cleaned and debrided the wounds as best as possible, but he needed surgery. The lacerations would not heal on their own, and they had to be closed with stitches."

Now Max needs antibiotics, pain medications, and laser treatment to help heal. He will likely need another surgery.

What stuns Max's rescuers is how he can have such a bright disposition despite everything he's endured.

"He has suffered unimaginable pain for so long, yet he's still so sweet and very loving," Bobbie adds. "We know that Max's last year has been a cruel one. This year starts a new, happy, and very much-loved life. Please consider donating towards his medical care."