There will be no happy ending for Falkor, an Akita found over the weekend on coal lands near Coaldale with a bullet in his head.

Despite the care of a veterinary team and the staff of the Hillside SPCA, the dog who survived being shot and abandoned days ago continued to be unable to eat or drink and took a turn for the worse on Monday night.His team of caregivers showed him the mercy his unknown assailant refused him, and helped him on his way over the "Rainbow Bridge."The SPCA published an update on its Facebook page, "Sadly, despite our best efforts and the support of so many people, Falkor took a turn for the worst. Our staff and the veterinary team decided it was in his best interest to show him the mercy he deserved and let him cross to a peaceful place. Each time he would drink, moments later he would regurgitate the fluid, and he was neurologically deficient, more so than we originally thought."The SPCA is working to find whoever is responsible for shooting him."Thank you to all who shared his story and that contributed for his care, we appreciate it so very much. Rest in peace, sweet boy. Sometimes, no matter how much you try, the happy ending isn't possible," the agency posted.The dog was found Saturday by people on four wheelers. Covered in mud and coal soot, the leashed dog was staggering around, seemingly dazed and confused. They called the Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue Group, which sent volunteers to rescue him. When they were unable to entice the dog to eat, and when he kept vomiting the water he drank, rescuers turned to the Hillside SPCA for help.An X-ray of the dog discovered a small wound on his head was actually caused by a gun. A bullet fragment was found lodged in the animal's brain. The bullet caused significant damage, which led to his untimely death.The SPCA is hoping to identify the dog's previous owner with the intention of filing charges of animal cruelty. As Sue Shafer of the Tamaqua animal rescue group said, "Unfortunately for pets, the Pennsylvania Superior Court decided it was legal for a pet owner to euthanize their animal with a bullet, as long as it was done humanely. This certainly wasn't humane. If we can identify the owner, we will prosecute."Anyone with information may call the SPCA at 570-622-7769 or TAAR at 570-617-1706.Anyone wishing to donate to help defray costs for Falkor's care may make checks payable to Hillside SPCA, PO Box 233, Pottsville, PA 17901.Donations to TAAR may be mailed to 345 E. Elm St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.