Meet Novak.

He has endured unimaginable cruelty but remains the sweetest boy.

The young chocolate lab was often seen in Colgate, Oklahoma, walking up to the front porch of homes looking for attention, food, and water. He would even approach people on the street for some pats.

A concerned citizen and former rescuer reached out to foster-based rescue, A Lab for Life, for help. The rescue was at max capacity at the time but said they would reach out as soon as there was an opening. They asked the person to keep an eye on the dog and they would be in touch.

Two weeks later, there was an opening so the CEO of A Lab for Life reached out the woman. She said the dog was shot and ran off into the woods. Several volunteers were searching for the dog and a few days later he reappeared in desperate need of medical attention.

Photo: A Lab for Life

The rescue picked up Novak and rushed him to the vet. They told us, "Upon initial examination, Novak was determined to have a fractured jaw and several broken teeth. He also had a rampant infection in his mouth. The vet noted a bullet wound in his side and his face."

The pup was started on IV fluids and went into emergency surgery to remove the bullet that was still lodged in his jaw. This is just the first of several surgeries he will need to repair the extensive damage caused by the bullet.

Photo: A Lab for Life

He remains on antibiotics to clear up the infection and reduce swelling as the rescue contacts specialists to schedule the surgery to remove 7 broken teeth and repair his fractured jaw.

They reached out to Greater Good Charities' Emergency Animal Medical fund for help with his medical bills. The fund helps save the lives of shelter animals in need of medical care and gives them the second chance they deserve.

Novak has a long road of recovery ahead and his foster family will be with him every step of the way. Even though he doesn't feel well enough to play with other dogs, he enjoys being around them and rolling in the grass. He loves belly rubs and carries soft toys around the house. Despite all he has been through, he still trusts humans and want to be around them.

Photo: A Lab for Life

"Novak is a loving, kind and resilient boy who has shown love and affection despite his physical pain and discomfort. At the moment, Novak is not able to eat "normal" dog food and requires "gruel". If this surgery does not take place, Novak will have persistent infections and malnourishment due to his inability to eat," shared the rescue.

Pets receiving critical care facilitated by an Emergency Animal Medical grant may not be eligible for adoption until they have completed their course of treatment. If you would like to inquire about adoption of a specific animal, we strongly encourage you to visit the shelter’s specific website first as that is often the most up to date place to learn about available pets and review the adoption policies and process. Check out A Lab for Life's website to see all adoptable pets.

Help us meet our goal of $6,000 to treat Novak's injuries. Your gift will not only give him the hope to keep fighting, but your donations will help cover his ongoing care.