Sonny is a seven-week-old German Wirehaired Pointer who was left outside the South LA Animal Shelter along with his three siblings. No staff were present at the time, so it’s unknown who left the puppies. Upon closer examination, it was immediately clear that all four required urgent medical care—but Sonny’s condition was the most concerning. His paw was severely swollen, painful, and infected.

Thankfully, the HIT Living Foundation stepped in to take two of the puppies into their care, while the remaining two were taken in by another rescue, Pawsitive Beginnings.

After Sonny and his littermate Cher received their exams, the medical team concluded that both puppies had suffered abuse. Sonny’s rear left paw is so badly infected that the veterinarian recommends a full leg amputation as soon as possible. Thankfully, Cher is relatively healthy despite being malnourished.

On top of that, Sonny is also recovering from kennel cough—so he’s feeling far from his best. Still, his rescue has shared that despite all he’s been through, Sonny is a total cuddle bug.