ATLANTA -- While his dog continues to recover the man accused of savagely beating the pet with a sledgehammer will be in court Thursday afternoon on felony animal cruelty charges.

Joseph Waters, 48, is accused of beating his dog and leaving him for dead in Murphy Candler Park.

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The dog, rescued by Robert Kennedy while he was walking his own dogs, is being treated at the VCA Pets Are People Too Veterinary Hospital and has been named Murphy.

Kennedy told Channel 2 Action News that the dog was wrapped in a blanket, but not far away was a hammer with blood on the handle.

"Whoever did this to a dog is just awful," Kennedy said.

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SLIDESHOW: Dog Recovers After Beating

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Dr. Stephen Pope tells WSB that while Murphy lost his left eye, the dog came through surgery "like a champ" on Wednesday and may not suffer permanent brain damage. Pope said the shepherd mix has a fractured skull and will likely lose his left eye, but he is hopeful about his recovery.

DeKalb Police Spokesperson Keisha Williams tells News/Talk 750 WSB that Murphy is Waters dog. No motive has been established in the incident. Waters is being held without bail.

The veterinary hospital has been flooded with offers to help with the dog's medical care. Pope, hospital medical director, said the medical bills could run into the thousands of dollars.

Kennedy, the man who found 'Murphy,' told hospital staffers that he is more than willing to pay the bills, and he is setting up a trust fund to do so. Donations can be made at any Wachovia Bank branch in the name of Murphy the Dog.

VCA Pets Are People Too is helping coordinate donations for that fund in the meantime. Their number is (770) 452-1001.

Investigators are looking for anyone who saw anything unusual at the park from 9 p.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday.