AUSTIN -- A group of Austin animal lovers is closely watching a four-pound puppy that is fighting for life after being beaten by his owner's boyfriend.

"I've been on the verge of tears for two days after I found out about him.'' says veterinarian Ellen Jefferson, president of Austin Pets Alive! "In this case somebody intentionally did this to him, and it's just horrible."

The dog, a four-pound schnauzer-mix nicknamed "Phoenix," was beaten twice last week in Burnet by his owner's boyfriend. The owner, who does not speak English, turned the puppy over to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in Kendalia.

Rescue workers quickly realized the dog's injuries were life-threatening and took him for emergency treatment in San Antonio. After incurring more than $1,000 in medical bills, Phoenix was moved to Austin and is being treated at Lake Austin Blvd. Animal Hospital.

When he arrived, he couldn't stand or eat and couldn't bear to be touched by anyone. Doctors say he apparently had been force-fed detergent, which severely damaged his esophagus and mouth.

Veterinarian Lauren Cannon operated on the dog Wednesday, inserting an IV and feeding tube. But even though getting him food is a major issue, that's not his most pressing health problem.

His most serious issue now is a pocket of air in his lung that could burst at any time, causing him to suffocate.

"Even if he were to stumble and fall, he could potentially rupture that, and that could be bad," Dr. Jefferson said.

Doctors guess the dog was kicked or thrown against a wall, where he suffered severe brain injuries. He is hypersensitive to touch, but doctors hope that will diminish as his brain swelling goes down.

X-rays do not show any obvious broken bones, but Cannon says his injuries are still considered life-threatening.

"I worry because he's so fearful of people and he's so tender," she says. "It's really hard to see patients like this and to know someone has done this to him. It makes us angry."

Doctors have already donated X-rays and an ultrasound, but Phoenix' medical expenses are growing.

Austin Pets Alive! says if things go well, Phoenix will eventually be available for adoption.

Austin Pets Alive! works to save the lives of abandoned puppies and dogs.