A Wareham man faces a felony charge of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning his 10-pound poodle in East Wareham on one of the coldest days in January.

The poodle, named "Chara" by her foster family, was found shivering and whining outside the Onset Water Department. Water Superintendent Paul Bokoski scooped her up and warmed her, and employees took her to the vet.

She was covered in fleas, blinded by cataracts, and nearly deaf from an infection that started in her mouth and packed her ears. Her nails were so long that they curled under the pads of her feet, preventing her from walking. She had to undergo surgery to remove her teeth.

The pup, who vets estimate is between 10 and 14 years old, is currently staying with Onset firefighter Rachel Rawlings, whose children named her after the 6'9" Bruins hockey player Zdeno Chára. (Her stature certainly isn't that big — but her personality is!)

Rawlings said Chara is doing well, but noted that she is still suffering from some health issues -- all of which were caused by neglect.

"This sweet girl did not need to suffer this way," said Rawlings. "No animal deserves it."

As for the man who officials say abandoned her: "He was interviewed by the [Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] MSPCA and myself," explained Animal Control Officer Joe Singleton, "and after an investigation, he's being charged."

Officials have not yet released the man's name, but explained that he will face one count of willful abandonment — a felony charge with a maximum of five years in prison.

Wareham Week will update this story as more information becomes available.