A German shepherd who was effectively left for dead in a remote area of California with zip ties around his mouth and neck has suffered fresh heartbreak.

Argon, who is 7, would be dead now if whoever had abandoned him in sweltering temperatures along a rarely traversed region close to the Malibu Creek Canyon over the Fourth of July weekend had gotten their way.

However, Argon was fortunate that two compassionate hikers came across him at around 7:45 p.m. on that fateful July 3 evening. The German shepherd was in a state of considerable distress: his mouth had been cruelly zip tied shut, while another constricted his neck.

The zip tie from his mouth was removed while the hikers waited for the authorities they had called to arrive. All the while, Argon was a sweet and gentle presence, allowing his rescuers to pet him and even eating from their hands.

Initially transported to the Palmdale Animal Care Center for medical treatment then on to the Agoura Animal Care Center, Argon was in bad shape following his ordeal.

Veterinarians found he had a lot of inflammation, and warts and skin tags on his legs, stomach and groin. It was also suspected he had been exposed to poison oak.

The most significant diagnosis was to come however after he was taken in by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC), where tests confirmed he had lymphoma.

Argon has B-cell lymphoma, which is more responsive to treatment and will require chemotherapy. The prognosis with treatment is good—80 percent of dogs respond—so there is hope that Argon's life can be extended another 11 months to two years.

It's a devastating diagnosis in many ways but, following his ordeal, Maria Dales, Founder and Director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, is focused solely on making those final months and years the best they can possibly be.

"Obviously, our foremost concern is Argon's quality of life," she told Newsweek. "We want to give him the best months or years possible and we will expend whatever resources we have available to ensure he's comfortable and feeling his best. We are currently reviewing candidates for a foster or forever home, someone who will help him take the next steps of his journey."

In the meantime, she is pleased to report that Argon has gone from strength to strength in their care."Every day Argon's spirits improve," she said. "He's going for walks more frequently and we are happy to report we have seen a shy tail wag or two. It's very heartwarming to see he's making this progress despite his past abuse. He truly is an amazing dog and has made friends with several GSROC volunteers who visit daily."

Anyone with information related to Argon's abandonment is also being urged to contact In Defense of Animals at (415) 879-6879. A $25,000 reward is on offer to those who provide information that helps the authorities find the individual or individuals responsible for this horrific act of cruelty.

"Someone, somewhere knows who this dog belonged to and can help authorities apprehend the person who harmed this beautiful dog," Dales said. "We are hoping that someone in the public will have the courage and compassion to get this cruel abuser off the streets."