Animal welfare officials in the Eastern Townships are calling it a horrible case of animal neglect.
On Sunday, the director of the Le Château shelter in Sherbrooke took a call from someone in an apparent panic in nearby Coaticook, who reported a badly emaciated dog that was in need of assistance.
The dog, who his handlers are calling Nelson, is a cane corso who weighed just 36 pounds when he was found. Generally, dogs his age and build should weigh about 100 pounds.
Nelson is now in the care of veterinarians, who say that despite his condition, the dog has plenty of energy and a good attitude.
A crowdfunding effort has been launched on GoFundMe.com to pay Nelson's medical expenses.
Animal welfare authorities in the Townships are investigating, and there are hints they may be close to zeroing in on a suspect.