A dog who has come perilously close to being euthanized after being cruelly discarded is facing a battle to survive serious ill health.

At just a year old, Buddy could technically still be considered a puppy, which only adds to the sense of injustice surrounding his story. It's a story that came to light thanks to the work of Cuddly, an online fundraising and wish list platform that supports the work of more than 4,000 shelters and rescues around the world. One of those shelters is Hoardin' Huskies Rescue in Sumter, South Carolina.

Despite efforts by some to move away from the practice, the ASPCA estimates as many as 390,000 dogs are euthanized each year. Buddy could easily have been among that number.

The Great Dane mix was originally found roaming the streets of Texas and taken in by some locals. That stay proved short-lived, as just a month later, he was turned in at a local kill shelter.

It was discovered that Buddy had a microchip, which meant he once had a home and an owner. Any hope of a happy reunion was quickly crushed, though.

"Buddy's original owner wanted nothing to do with him, and was perfectly content leaving him to die in the shelter," a Cuddly spokesperson said.

Buddy came "just hours" away from being euthanized but was spared thanks to the efforts of a small rescue group and a young couple who offered to foster him. Sadly, his stay with them was short.

"Not long after his arrival at their home, Buddy became so sick that he couldn't stand," Cuddly said.

Buddy was originally set to return to the shelter, but when his foster carers learned he would likely be "euthanized upon arrival" and they would essentially be handing him "death sentence," they decided against it.

The couple shelled out $9,000 on his treatment before turning to Hoardin' Huskies Rescue for help.

"He had to travel to us with an oxygen tank that was nearly empty after the 4 1/2-hour drive," the spokesperson said.

Upon arrival, the seriousness of Buddy's condition became clear.

"He has sustained significant damage to his heart and lungs, leaving him sputtering for air and dependent on life-support," they said. "Buddy was clinging to life as he was quickly rushed through the ER doors."

Buddy is facing a long and arduous recovery. He remains hospitalized while more than $5,000 has been spent by the shelter on providing his lifesaving care. More is needed and Cuddly is appealing for anyone who can to donate funds to cover treatment.

However, the spokesperson for the fundraising platform said they are "already seeing small signs of progress" in Buddy's condition.

"Buddy's medical team has still yet to determine the cause of the trauma to his heart and lungs, but he has made great improvements with supportive care and treatment for his symptoms, which is great news," the spokesperson said.

"His medical team is cautiously optimistic that Buddy will recover."