Days ago, covered in excrement, "Samurai" couldn't hold his head up to eat.

Today, the abused Cocker Spaniel under the care of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital stood on his own, a sign of continued recovery.

"Samurai," or Sammy, has seen a tremendous outpouring of support after he showed up in a garbage bag, to the Tinton Falls animal shelter.

The Brick Township couple who brought a nearly dead dog covered in its own excrement to a Tinton Falls animal shelter claiming it was found on the side of a road have officially been charged with three counts of animal cruelty, authorities said Monday.

While at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Sammy was treated for poor health but continues to recover, eating on his own and now, today, standing for the first time.

The latest post, one of many updates the hospital has announced on Sammy's condition, calls the progress a miracle:

"Where there is love, miracles happen...Sammy stands!"

Over the weekend, a fund was set up for those hoping to donate. Those interested can send a check to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, 197 Hance Avenue, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, with a note that your donation is for the Morgan/Samurai Fund.

The hospital also encouraged residents to adopt from local animal shelters:

"Please remember that our nation’s animal shelters are full of animals in need of loving homes. Many of them could very easily have ended up in the same situation as Samurai," a hospital representative wrote on the RBAH site. "If your lifestyle permits you to adopt another pet, please consider opening your heart and home to a shelter pet in honor of Samurai."

The charges the alleged abusers face:

New charges have been filed against the man who brought a dying, feces-covered Cocker Spaniel to a Tinton Falls animal shelter last week claiming he found the animal on the side of the road, authorities said Tuesday.

Keith E. Morgan, 56, of Brick Township was formally charged in Tinton Falls Tuesday morning with filing a false report, according to Charles Webster, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office spokesman.

He is scheduled to appear in Tinton Falls Municipal Court on April 9 to face the new charge, along with a previous charge of abandonment of a sick or maimed animal, Webster said.

Morgan’s wife, Shauna Ewing Morgan, 43, also is scheduled to appear that day in Tinton Falls court to face the abandonment charge, Webster said. 

The couple also are due to appear in Brick Township Municipal Court on  March 27 to face charges of failure to provide sustenance and causing unnecessary suffering.

Keith Morgan also faces the additional charge of interfering with an investigation, also in Brick court March 27, Webster said.

All of the charges carry a maximum six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine, Webster said.