Severely malnourished puppy abandoned in DeKalb County - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

Police are investigating after a severely malnourished puppy was found abandoned in a DeKalb neighborhood.

The tiny puppy was found barely alive in a DeKalb County neighborhood. She couldn't walk and her nose was scabbed and bloody.

"Had they not found her, had this animal control officer not gotten there at the time, I think she probably would have been dead by that night," said Ashley Derrick of the DeKalb Animal Control Services Task Force.

Officials have named the dog Xena the Warrior Puppy, hoping she'll survive the ordeal she's been through.

"Obviously very malnourished, very weak to the point we didn't think it was going to survive," said Sgt. Tim Medlin from the animal cruelty unit of the DeKalb County Police Department.

Medlin says they're putting all their resources into finding the person who abandoned this dog.

"We'll get in neighborhood, show pictures, knock on doors," said Medlin. "Our arrests go to jail and they're prosecuted through the district attorney in state court just like any other crime."

Derrick says the problem of abandoned animals has gotten worse in recent years, partly because of the economy. People just can't afford to care for an animal. Derrick said that she doesn't know Xena's story, but she's just happy to see the pup is improving.

After a couple of days, Xena has already gained some pounds.

"She's still touch-and-go because she was so starved, but we're hoping for the best for her," said Derrick.  

Anyone with information on Xena's owners is asked to call DeKalb animal services at 404-294-2645.

A Facebook page created for Xena has already received more than 4,500 likes. The pup has also received thousands of dollars in donations. Any money that is left over after her treatment will go to help other dogs.