Animal Control took a local family's dog following a run-in with a rabid raccoon.(Photo: Dan Yesenosky)

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- There's heartbreak for a local family fighting to get their dog back after a rabies scare.

"I smile every time I hear him howl," said dog owner Lawson Jenkins.

6-year-old "Captain" is as friendly as they come, according to the family.

"No matter how bad it is, [his] tail's always wagging, you know?" Jenkins said. "He always cheers you up."

He's a plott hound, a type of dog bred specifically for hunting, which means he has a nose for getting into everything.

"His nose is on the ground. He's running around sniffing all the time," said Jenkins.

Back on April 24th, Captain went into the woods at Jenkins' home and fought with a rabid raccoon. He got a booster shot right away and his other rabies shots are all up to date. On May 25th, he came into contact with another rabid raccoon. Jenkins called his veterinarian, who says he told him Captain was in the clear from rabies.

"It's frustrating because I did not know the law," Jenkins told WCNC.

State law requires that every single time a pet comes into contact with a rabid animal you must take it to the vet for a booster shot within five days of the incident. Or your pet will be taken from you. By the time Jenkins found out, the five days had passed.

On Tuesday, Animal Control took Captain away. Now Jenkins has three days to decided to have him euthanized or to pay for him to be quarantined for up to six months. He's planning to start a GoFundMe page to raise the money.

"Save Captain's Life, or something like that," Jenkins said. "Maybe there are enough animal lovers out there that don't want to see a dog get put down that doesn't need to, that's had his shots."

It's the only way to bring him back.

"He's my only companion right now," said Jenkins.

Jenkins said he's planning to create that GoFundMe page as soon as possible. Once he does, if you'd like to donate, you'll be able to find a link to it here.