BELLFLOWER, Calif. -- Five months ago, caretakers worried that Courage the German shepherd might die because his diet of dirt had reduced him to 37 pounds and he was so emaciated he could barely lift his head.

Thanks to blood transfusions, IV fluids and a high-calorie diet, Courage is up to 85 pounds and is living with a new family and a canine companion.

Now the group that rescued Courage is chronicling the dog's recovery in a 2011 fundraising calendar. On April 7 German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County saved Courage from the Bellflower backyard where he was tied to a tree for weeks.

Former owner Kimberly Nizato has been charged with felony animal cruelty and is due back in court on Sept. 14.

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Online:

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, http://www.gsroc.org