In Laurens, South Carolina a starved and abused 16-month-old Mastiff named Champ continuing to fight for his life at an emergency veterinarian hospital has made national news. Earlier in the week, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC were alerted to Champ’s desperate plight and immediately jumped in to try and save his life.

“His heartbreaking story is that he is the victim of a breakup,” the rescue’s co-founder Jackie O’Sullivan posted on the organization’s social media page. “… since ‘he was not her dog’, she fed her dogs but not Champ.”

Since Wednesday, when Champ was rescued by a neighbor who took a stand against animal cruelty and notified Jon Giles Gilmer, with Laurens County Animal Control, the emaciated pup has been fighting to survive. His preliminary prognosis was critical. As recently as Friday, his blood still had not been regenerating:

“Champ’s blood-work confirms his numbers are still way off & there is no regeneration at this time. There will likely be another blood transfusion in the next day or so. His spirits are up a bit, likely because he knows he is SAFE & that we are trying to help him! He is eating a little bit of chicken!

Champ will continue to get round the clock care for as long as he needs it!”

Periodic updates of Champ’s condition has animal advocates cheering the slightest improvements. On Thursday evening, he was snuggled into “comfy jammies” since he has no body fat or muscle tone, in order to keep him warm.

And on Friday dog food was not to be on the menu for Champ’s dinner, but thanks to one of the veterinarian technicians, the boiled chicken appealed to his discerning palate.

Saturday brought smiles to the staff at the animal hospital – guess who had scrambled eggs?