Chained up and cut deep! That was the grueling life for a Golden Retreiver after members of the community say the owner abandoned the dog. It's a story we have to warn you about--some of these images you're going to see are pretty disgusting.

“I’m so angry and mad. If the owner had just paid attention to the dog once a day for just five minutes, he would have noticed the problem! Said Dr. Steve Mahnken with Best Friends Animal Hospital in Winfield.

Dr. Mahnken doesn't mix words when expressing his rage over the neglect of this loveable Golden Retreiver--Hammer. The dog arrived at his animal hospital in Winfield three days ago with a heavy chain imbedded in his neck!

“The link was partially buried in his neck and I had to cut it to slip it out. You’re talking a half to one inch. I could stick my finger in up to my first knuckle,” said Dr. Mahnken.

In photos taken before the tedious surgery to remove the chain. You can see the links have become a part of hammer's neck-a process the vet says takes at least five to six months to happen. Dr. Mahnken says the infection was so advanced, it's stomach-turning.

“It would make you vomit if you weren't used to it. I’m used to it. But, you could smell it all over the building. I wouldn’t eat finger foods with my hands. It was that bad even with gloves on my hands. It soaked into my skin,” said Dr. Mahnken.

After carefully cutting and slicing, the chain is gone and Hammer is doing fine. Like most dogs, all he wants is a head rub and some love and attention. Instead, this was home, a trailer in Proctorville, Ohio. This tree-his anchor. Neighbors didn't want to talk on camera fearful the owner would retaliate. But, after sheriff's deputies found out, they moved in and made sure the dog got out.

“It’s going to take a court order for me to let this dog go. I’m not letting him go until I make sure he has a good home,” said Dr. Mahnken.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is searching for the owner. Criminal charges of animal neglect may be pending. Dr. Mahnken is working with the Putnam County Humane Society to ensure the dog gets a good home. If you’d like to learn more about Hammer, just call the Best Friends Animal Hospital at 304-586-0490.