Two dogs found shot by hunting arrows in Kananaskis are recovering in Calgary after surgery.

The pair of pets was handed over to a small Calgary rescue society run by Kelly Cerato, who said a Good Samaritan contacted her on Friday after coming across the wounded animals "frightened and in severe pain."

Cerato said the dogs were taken to the McKnight 24 Hour Veterinary Hospital in Calgary and X-rays revealed both had been shot with fixed-blade arrows.

"Not just any simple, little arrows — large, four-point arrows," Cerato said.

These are the large arrows that Cheveyo and Kitchi were shot with. (Supplied)

"My first reaction was complete shock, but adrenaline kicks in, and everything's about the dogs," said Cerato.

Both dogs underwent surgery and were recovering at the animal hospital. Kitchi, one of the dogs, had to have his front left leg amputated after an arrow penetrated into his front shoulder, shattering his limb.

At left, an X-ray depicts how close an arrow came to one of the dog's hearts. At right, Kitchi recovers at the McKnight 24 Hour Veterinary Hospital. (Facebook)

The other dog, Cheveyo, was pierced through the middle of the chest, close to his heart. A specialist surgeon was brought in to assist veterinarian Shelby Kimura with Cheveyo's operation to ensure that he would survive, said Cerato.

"Animal cruelty nowadays is such second-nature to some people that it's very, very scary," sad Cerato.

This is Cheveyo, one of the two dogs found shot by arrows. He had a succesful surgery on April 2. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

Cerato said she reported the incidents to RCMP, who told her they would launch an investigation.

CBC News has asked RCMP for comment.

Cerato, who runs the Tails of The Misunderstood Canine Rescue Society, said a director with the group will take one of the dogs home for foster care while the other will remain under veterinary care for some time.

The group is seeking donations through its Facebook page to help cover the cost of the surgeries and veterinary care.