Joseph The Dog Was Chained To A Tree For 4 Years

Joseph the German Shepherd was clinging to life when authorities rescued him. He was emaciated and dehydrated, his skin was covered with infection, and he had heart worms. Police say his owner left him chained to a tree for four straight years.

The poor pooch -- whose name was changed from Toby by the folks at Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Ohio -- is getting better. He's currently undergoing veterinary rehabilitation.

Joseph's former owner, Jeremy Shane Temple, faces animal cruelty charges.

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