Puppy Shot 18 Times Now Snuggles With Bear For Comfort

He's endured way more than any dog or human should ever have to face.

This past weekend in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a 6-week-old puppy was shot at least 18 times with a BB gun, local news outlet The Herald reported.

A maintenance worker at an apartment complex first saw the puppy surrounded by a group of young teens on Sunday evening while doing his rounds. When he returned a short time later, the lab mix was bleeding, Captain Mark Bollinger of the Rock Hill Police Department told The Dodo.

The maintenance worker immediately called the police and officers arrived to discover the dog had multiple wounds.

The puppy was rushed to Ebenezer Animal Hospital, where he was named Brody by the staff. Shocking X-rays shared by the hospital on Facebook show 18 bullets trapped inside of the young dog.

"The bullets have not appeared to pierce any vital organs or damaged any joints or bones, which is astounding, but he is a lucky boy," said Dr. Jay Hreiz, medical director at Ebenezer, told The Dodo.

"Because of this coupled with his young age of 6 weeks, we will not perform surgery unless necessary and when he's a little older and can handle anesthesia appropriately," he added. "For now, we will simply watch him [for another week] and continue supportive care as he gets better."

Brody currently remains at Ebenezer under the care of medical staff. Once he's fully healed, he'll but put up for adoption through Project Safe Pet.

Bollinger said detectives are currently working on pinning down the suspect or suspects responsible for harming Brody. Officials have been unable to locate Brody's owner, and the teens who had been seen playing with him are under investigation but have not admitted to any wrongdoing.

A recent Facebook post shows Brody doing very well - and getting plenty of rest alongside his cozy stuffed animal.

Hreiz describes him as a very sweet boy who, surprisingly, still trusts people.

"His prognosis is good to excellent," Dr. Hreiz said. "His external wounds are almost healed and are scabbing over."

Brody got a rough start in the world. But now he has a real chance at happiness for the rest of his days.

If you're interested in contributing to Brody's recovery you can make a donation to Project Safe Pet. Want to help a puppy like Brody in need of a home? Get started at Adopt-a-Pet.com.