**WARNING: This story contains images which some readers may find disturbing**
A one-year-old mixed breed dog who was found emaciated and suffering from severe mange is on the road to recovery in Fort Lauderdale.
Buster was dropped off at Miami-Dade Animal Services, but when employees saw what condition he was in, they knew he needed help immediately. His face and body were covered in scabs and sores from mange, a skin disease caused by mites which leads to itching, hair loss and the forming of lesions and scabs.
"He's got the will. I call it the will to live," said Dr. Lynel Tocci with Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists.
Buster has little fur, was extremely malnourished and connected to IVs. "The sight of him just tore our hearts out," said Amy Roman with 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida.
Rescue group 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida saw a photo of Buster on the Miami-Dade Animal Services website and rushed over to pick him up.
"I thought I've seen it all. I thought I've seen the worst case of abuse and he's just the worst," Roman said.
Buster is now at Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists receiving emergency treatment.
"He was a happy dog underneath what he looks like. And I knew that once we got his skin condition fixed and we got him some good food and good nutrition, that he was gonna be a good pet for somebody," Dr. Tocci said.
The rescue group said the pup was listed as a stray at Animal Services, but they believe Buster's owner surrendered him.
Although there's a long healing process in store for the dog, Buster will soon need a loving home.
"The dogs never give in. They just want a healthy, happy home and he's a really great dog," Dr. Tocci said.
Buster will be available for adoption once he's healthy. For more information on adoption and donations, click here.
