Little Rufus has had a hard start in life.
The 9-week-old cross-breed puppy was brought to the Whangarei SPCA two weeks ago after a member of the public found him and his sisters dumped on wasteland.
He has a facial deformity, which SPCA veterinarian Kristy MacDonald believes was possibly caused by a fracture or bite injury that since healed without treatment.
It has left him with a rotation of the cranial portion of his top jaw, part of his top lip and left nostril missing and deformed teeth, says Whangarei SPCA inspector Helena Sweeting.
"It doesn't slow him down at the moment, but it does need to be fixed, particularly when his adult teeth come through."
The exposed mucous membrane is also open to infection, she said.
"This is fixable, however Rufus will need surgeries including dental to correct his teeth deformity and facial reconstruction," Ms Sweeting said.
The Whangarei SPCA is appealing for donations to complete the surgeries. Ms Sweeting said he is likely to require several, the first of which will cost between $500 and $700.
Once Rufus has recovered from his operations, the Whangarei SPCA will begin taking expressions of interest from people who'd like to adopt him. For the moment, Ms Sweeting is fostering him.
"Rufus is a delightful little pup whose happy sweet personality touches the heart of all he meets," she said. "He's a normal, friendly, happy little soul."
Donations for Rufus can be made at the SPCA Centre in Kioreroa Rd; by phoning (09)4389161 or online at http://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/WhangareiSPCA.