NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey’s largest animal shelter system is offering a $500 reward to help catch whoever allegedly dumped a starved dog covered in urine, feces and blood outside a Newark apartment complex on Thursday.

The Associated Humane Societies (AHS), which has a shelter in Newark, released the following statement about their reward offer:

“Animal control for the City of Newark received the call at 3:51 p.m. to go out to the Grafton Avenue apartment complex to retrieve a puppy that was abandoned. The ACO spoke to a witness at the scene who stated that when she saw a car pull in, she assumed they were dumping trash but when they pulled away, there was a puppy tied to the fence. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to get the license plate of the vehicle.”

AHS staff continued:

“When the puppy arrived at the AHS Newark facility, staff were horrified at the sight of this poor young female dog. You can’t look at her and not wonder what transpired in her young life to arrive in the sad, neglected, starved state that she’s in. Our veterinarian estimates her to be approximately 5-months-old and sadly, she weighs just 10 pounds. She was covered in urine and feces, as well as blood. Examination revealed her to be extremely dehydrated, so fluids were immediately administered. Puncture wounds were discovered under scars that were crusted over which are likely the result of bites from another animal, and her teeth are in poor condition for such a young dog. Her overall body condition is very poor but despite this, she has a strong appetite and is grateful for all of the help that she’s receiving.”

Thankfully, the poor pooch is on the road to recovery, AHS staff said:

“She has been named Petunia and she is resting comfortably on many soft, clean blankets in one of our administrative offices. Regardless of Petunia’s past trauma, she has the sweetest disposition. Petunia has been greeting staff members with kisses and craves to be held. She is probably the happiest, safest, and most cared for that she’s ever been, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that she has every chance at living a long, full, happy life in a wonderful home once she has recovered from the terrible treatment that she endured.”