AUBURN — Police are hoping to track down the owner of an emaciated pitbull found at the bottom of Dearborn Road on Thursday afternoon.

Police Capt. Gary Bartis said they believe the dog was neglected and abandoned, based on its condition.

If no owner comes forward, Bartis said they are hoping to find someone to adopt the young, friendly pitbull.

Animal Control Officer Jarlene Cornett said a resident located the dog wandering on Dearborn Road and contacted her around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Bartis said the tan-colored pitbull was “skin and bones” and had a collar, but no tags.

“The dog is totally emaciated, which means every rib, every vertebrae, his hip bones, everything is protruding,” Cornett said.

The dog was brought to Candray Pet Care Center in Candia for treatment.

Candray veterinarian Dr. Matthew Cobb said the pitbull, who has been temporarily named “Apollo” at the center, is between one and two-years old and in good health aside from being emaciated.

Cobb said they checked him for ticks, heartworm and intestinal parasites and found nothing, leading him to agree with the police conclusion that the dog had not been wandering for any length of time.

“At this point, he seems like an otherwise healthy dog who has simply been starved,” Cobb said. “Usually when dogs have been on the loose for awhile, you tend to see ecto-parasites, ticks, fleas, things like that … and he was negative for all of that.”

He said “Apollo” will be monitored closely by the center over the next seven to 10 days to look out for potential medical problems that could arise as he starts eating normally again.

As long as his liver and kidney functions are doing well and he is gaining weight, he should be available for adoption after 10 days if no owner is located by police.

“Obviously, if the police find the owner it is then dependent on that situation,” Cobb said.

Anyone who might have information can contact the Auburn Police Department at 483-2134.

gmacalaster@newstote.com