Abandoned Dog Found Zip-Tied in Calif. Canyon Diagnosed with Cancer After Rescue in 'Cruel Blow' (Exclusive)

Argon the German shepherd is recovering from neglect at the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County and will begin chemotherapy soon

• On July 3, hikers found Argon the German shepherd abandoned at Malibu Creek Canyon in California with zip ties around his mouth and neck

• After his rescue, Argon was brought to the German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC) for treatment and care

• GSROC discovered the dog had lymphoma a week after Argon arrived and is planning to start the canine on chemotherapy

Argon the German shepherd is adjusting to a new life and surprising diagnosis after his July rescue from Malibu Creek Canyon in California.

On July 3, hikers spotted Argon wandering around the rugged environment with his mouth zip-tied shut and another zip tie around his neck. The Good Samaritans removed the restraints around the abandoned dog's mouth and called 911 for help.

With assistance from rescuers, Argon made his way to the Palmdale Animal Care Center for medical attention. Shortly after this rescue, Maria Dales, the founder and executive director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC), started receiving calls about the canine.

"When the story about Argon broke on local news, our phones and emails went crazy. Hundreds of animal lovers were reaching out to ask us to please get involved," Dales tells PEOPLE.

Moved by the abuse Argon had overcome to get to the Palmdale Animal Care Center, Dales reached out to the facility to see if GSROC could take over the German shepherd's care.

"Our rescue has previously assisted abused and neglected dogs, so we were poised and eager to help," she adds.

Palmdale Animal Care Center agreed and approved GSROC to pick up Argon. After a four-hour round trip through difficult California traffic, Argon was at GSROC and in front of Dales.

"I can usually hold it together when I see the sad cases, but to see this shell of a majestic creature made me cry. It's unthinkable that someone deliberately did such a heinous thing to such a gentle animal," Dales says of her first in-person meeting with Argon.

The founder shares that, upon arrival, Argon was scared and emotionally checked out from the cruelty he endured.

"He didn't want to be touched. He cringed when I touched his head gently. He never tried to snap or snarl. He had clearly given up and was just existing, not living. His eyes were vacant, with no light in them at all. He wouldn't meet anyone's gaze," Dales remembers.

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Physically, the dog was underweight and had swollen legs, lumps under his neck, and ear infections. The swelling and lumps especially concerned GSROC, who feared the issue might be symptoms of cancer. So, the rescue started Argon's medical treatment, and a few medical tests were performed on the dog.

"He required fluids, antibiotics for ear infections, x-rays, blood work, and multiple meals of soft food every day," Dales says of how GSROC initially addressed Argon's health needs.

Test results came back a week later and unfortunately confirmed GSROC's fears: Argon had multicentric B cell lymphoma, the most common variety of lymphoma in dogs, according to Dales.

"It felt like yet another cruel blow dealt to an incredible dog that had already been through so much," she says.

GSROC didn't stay despondent for long. After learning Argon's diagnosis, the rescue determined the best path forward. For the moment, GSROC plans to start Argon on chemotherapy and see how he responds.

"As long as his body can support the treatment, he will undergo 15 weeks of chemotherapy that includes oral and injected medication. This is uncharted territory for our rescue--we have never had a dog that required this aggressive treatment, so we will be carefully monitoring how well he feels during the treatment," Dales says of what comes next, emphasizing that Argon's overall comfort and happiness are the top priority.

Related: 'Shy' Dog Finds a Forever Home After 2 Years in Florida Shelter: 'Finally at Peace'

"If at any point we believe that it is causing him physical distress, we will discontinue right away. We don't believe in making him feel sicker to make him feel better. That seems like a different type of cruelty for a dog that has just learned to trust again," she adds.

If Argon does respond well to treatment, he is expected to live comfortably for another 11 to 24 months, plenty of time for him to enjoy the love of a caring home.

GSROC has received an "outpouring of applications" from animal lovers looking to adopt Argon. The rescue is carefully reviewing each one to determine which setting is best for Argon.

"It's a huge responsibility because we want him to feel happy as well as safe," Dales says about the choice; she also notes that GSROC has 80 other "beautiful" dogs looking for homes.

Argon is starting to open up after more than three weeks at GSROC but remains guarded.

"For the first time, he extended a paw to ask for another treat, so we were all overjoyed. It felt like he was starting to relax," Dales shares, adding that the German shepherd "is still wary of new people touching him. He never ever snaps, but he doesn't welcome pets either."

The rescue director hopes that learning more about neglect's effects on innocent animals inspires others to make more compassionate decisions when caring for pets.

"There is no place for animal cruelty in a civilized world. Argon was helpless, and someone evil preyed upon his helplessness. What this poor dog endured is unthinkable. The antidote for cruelty is compassion," she says.

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Animal lovers looking to help Argon through this challenging time are encouraged to donate to his medical expenses, which are "costly and ongoing." GSROC is also working to raise funds to turn a portion of their kennel into a dog park so their "resident orphans can stroll and relax."

"It's so gratifying to see what a determined group of like-minded animal lovers can accomplish when they know that lives are depending on them. I would urge everyone who loves animals to get engaged to help end the senseless suffering of animals of all species," Dales says.

According to the GSROC founder, the rescue and others are still searching for the individual responsible for dumping a zip-tied Argon in the canyon.

"We believe that someone, somewhere, knows something. A seven-year-old dog didn't magically appear out of thin air — someone must have seen him declining. So far, there haven't been any viable tips, but with a $25,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of his abuser, we are optimistic that Argon will have justice," she says.

To learn more about GSROC and support the nonprofit's efforts, visit the rescue's website and social media accounts.

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