AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Central Texas puppy that grew up in a crate too small for him is in need of a rare surgery.

Austin Pets Alive is asking for donations to help Tiny Tim. He is seven-months-old and can’t walk normally because his hind legs are deformed after spending most of his life inside a tiny crate.

“For the majority of his puppyhood, Tiny Tim was kept in a small crate that did not allow his hind legs to grow normally,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Executive Director of APA!. “His knee caps are on the side of his legs as a result of staying in a bent position for too long. The femur bones have literally grown past the knee caps so he can no longer extend his hind legs or walk normally.”

The cost of the ground-breaking new surgery is $2,000 and Austin Pets Alive hopes to schedule it for next month.If you would like to help you can donate to Tiny Tim here.

Tiny Tim is currently living with a foster family. Dr. Jefferson says he is a sweet and happy puppy who doesn’t deserve what happened to him.