(WVLT) - Out of tragedy is coming great generosity for an abused dog.

Police arrested a man they say slammed Romeo to the ground, choked him, and even dropped a dog house on top of him.

The Pulaski County Animal Shelter says they have been swamped with hundreds of phone calls about the dog since the story came out.

People want to help with his medical bills and dozens want to adopt him.

"I don't see how anyone could do this to a dog, especially one this friendly," says Derrick Loveless, who wants to adopt Romeo.

Right now, investigators say Romeo has to stay in the custody of the animal shelter until the issue is settled in court.

Romeo's owner, Ronald Turner, is charged with two counts of animal abuse.