Greensboro, NC -- A story of hope and hopelessness hit home on Wednesday, when it landed right in News 2's front yard.
A dog, once someone's pet, was desperate and clinging to life. And unfortunately, it's not as uncommon as we'd all like to think.
A man found an Irish setter Wednesday morning laying right on Phillips Avenue.
He thought she had been hit by a car, when in fact, she was so malnourished that she was too weak to even stand up.
She was emaciated and feverish. She had fleas and she was losing her hair. The folks at Guilford County Animal Shelter also said she was exhausted.
The dog was in such bad shape, they didn't think she'd make it.
"It's just devastating. I don't understand why she's in the condition that she's in," said Marsha Williams, Executive Director of the Guilford County Animal Shelter. "We want to do everything we can to save her, but we don't know what's really going on with her, so our first step is to get her hydrated, give her some strength and energy and then run some tests to see what's going on with her."
Williams said the dog was wearing a flea collar and even a tattered little coat, which showed someone loved her at some point.
However, Williams said she is unfortunately, like other animals that end up at the shelter every day.
"When you see that you can't afford to take care of your animal, as much as you love it, it may be best to call a rescue organization, re-home it, bring it to the shelter, before it gets into the condition where it's suffering and it may not be able to be saved," said Williams.
Williams said the dog is not out of the woods yet, but as of Wednesday evening she was doing better.
The dog was eating and sitting up. Williams said once she's healthy, they're hoping to find her a new home.
Even if you're not in a position to adopt a pet, Williams said there are still ways you can help.
If you see an animal being neglected, whether it's your neighbor's pet or just an animal you see on the street, call animal control.
Also, you can help by donating to Susie's Fund, which helps animals that have been neglected.