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Starving German Shepherd Takes Steps To Recovery

MISSION VIEJO (AP) — An emaciated white German shepherd found on the side of a Southern California road has taken his first solid steps after nearly starving to death.

The Orange County Register reports that the dog named Argus was found about a week ago after being reported as a "dead dog lying at the side of a road" by Redlands animal control officers.

The Coastal German Shepherd Rescue in Orange County took him to Alicia Pet Care Center in Mission Viejo.

Veterinarian Matthew Wheaton says the dog struggled to breathe when he was carried in because his chest muscles were so weak.

Argus has been eating small amounts of food since Saturday and took his first solid steps on Monday.

The rescue group eventually hopes to find a permanent home for Argus.

For more about Argus, including pics and updates, and how to donate to his recovery effort, click on the lick for the Coastal German Shepherd Rescue: http://www.coastalgsr.org/

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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