A rescue dog who was abandoned in the most disturbing of circumstances has taken his first steps toward the happy life he deserves.

Chrissy Elder, the owner of Forgotten Now Family Rescue in Charlotte, North Carolina, was first alerted to Manny's situation after receiving a call from the police.

"They just worked his case and needed a safe place for him," Elder told Newsweek. "A witness had seen a man drive to the side of the road and open his door, pull out a crate that had Manny in it, and throw it over a concrete construction wall and down an embankment."

The onlooker called the police and officers were deployed to rescue Manny from where he had been dumped. When they reached him, it quickly became apparent that this was just the latest way the dog had been abused.

"Manny was in a terrible condition," Elder said. "He was suffering with skin infections, cuts, ear infections, and his growth was majorly stunted from most likely having been kept in a tiny space for long stretches of time."

Sadly, strays like Manny represent a significant proportion of animals currently residing in shelters and rescue organizations across the United States.

According to Shelters Animal Count, over 6.5 million cats and dogs entered animal shelters and rescue organizations in 2013. Of that number, 48 percent were strays.

While there are countless examples of pets being abandoned in heartless circumstances, Manny's is an especially disturbing case. Elder said it would take time for the malnourished and mistreated pup to get back on his feet.

" I've seen a huge increase in animal neglect and people dumping dogs in horrific ways," she said.

The good news is that Manny has already come a long way from the terrified dog she first encountered.

"Manny is now in our rescue's care and doing amazing," she said. "He is not available for adoption at this time, but he is in my home as a medical foster. We are focusing on his health and rehabilitation."

Part of that journey of rehabilitation is helping Manny to trust people again.

"Manny clearly was not loved in the past and he's learning that humans can be kind," Elder said. "Manny is the best boy that deserves the world. It will be my honor to see him get what he deserves in life. I expect him to make a beautiful comeback, though."

Elder said that the police are still trying to identify the man who threw Manny from his car. For now though, she's simply appreciative of their efforts in rescuing him and bringing him into her life.

"Manny is actually named after the hero officer who saved him," she said. "I'm still holding out hope for justice in this case."

In the meantime, she hopes that by sharing Manny's story, she might dissuade someone from doing the same. Elder said: "My message to someone who can't keep their dog or afford medical care is to reach out for help."