Police Hope To Find Abused Dog's Owner

DENVER (CBS4)- An abused dog was dropped off at the Denver Dumb Friends League late at night on Feb. 17. The pit bull-Labrador mix was severely underweight. Now authorities are hoping to talk to the couple who dropped off the dog.

"In 20 years of doing this, this is the worst case that I've seen," said Denver Animal Care and Control Sgt. Stephen Romero.

Romero said despite being so malnourished, the dog, now called Petunia, showed incredible will.

"To be that thin and be able to survive out there says a lot about her," said Romero.

Petunia has gained three pounds in her time at the shelter but still has a tough road ahead. Romero is investigating what happened to Petunia and thinks neglect is probably involved.

Animal protection officers say the man and woman dropped off the dog with a note that read, "We found this dog. Please find her owner."

The man and woman are likely in their 20s. They were captured on surveillance video. Investigators believe they may have valuable information.

"They're not suspects, I just want to make that clear, we just want to talk to them, see if they have anymore information for us so we can talk to people in the neighborhood, see what's going on and see where she came from," said Romero.

There is a lot officers know already, based on Petunia's behavior.

"She was friendly when she came in and as you can see she is wagging her tail and she's really friendly so she was socialized," said Romero.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.