Severely swollen pit bull found with massive chain wrapped around neck

This 1-year-old pooch had a very rough start to life -- but is absolutely thriving now thanks to the help of some Good Samaritans.

Roxanne was found roaming the streets of Columbia, South Carolina, with a massive 6-pound chain tightly wrapped around her neck.

No one knows how long she was forced to carry the heavy object around, but her head was so painfully swollen she was just hours away from death.

The chain was so heavy, it made up more than 10 percent of Roxanne's body weight and needed to be cut off.

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC stepped in to help get this sweet dog immediate medical attention at the request of a local animal shelter.

See Roxanne's incredible transformation:

Once it had been removed, doctors discovered that one of her major arteries had been exposed and 95% of her the skin on her neck was damaged.

Roxanne was rushed into emergency surgery, but the tough pup pulled through -- and now she's looking for her forever home.

If you're interested in helping Roxanne or the other animals at Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, you can donate here.