Hank, a four-year-old Labrador retriever who was shot in the jaw at close range, is doing well following surgery this weekend.

“He’s going to be OK,” said Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society President Pam Immendorf. “He’s really, really a sweet baby. … He just melts your heart.”

Hank was picked up by the Humane Society after a store worker near Whigham Dairy Road reported the male dog had been shot and was hanging around the store.

Immendorf estimates that the dog was shot at close range about two weeks ago. The bullet destroyed the dog’s salivating gland and his jaw was shattered.

Dothan veterinarian Robert Martin performed surgery on the dog Friday, and Beth Eck, the director of the Humane Society’s animal shelter, picked Hank up on Saturday.

The bullet, which came close to killing the dog, has been turned over the Sheriff’s Office. Immendorf said the Humane Society is pursuing criminal charges and is offering a reward for any information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.

The society is collecting donations to assist with the costs associated with Hank’s surgery, which could cost approximately $1,300.