HOUSTON, Texas — Law enforcement officials in Harris County, Texas, have filed criminal charges against a pair that abandoned a pup in a house.

The 7-month-old chocolate Labrador was picked-up after the Houston Humane Society received a tip online on October 3. The frightened and shaking dog had most of her hair missing.

The dog was rescued by animal cruelty investigators on October 4. She was found laying on soiled laundry at an abandoned home in northwest Houston after the family was evicted, reported ABC13. The chocolate Lab was seriously malnourished, had intestinal issues, and was suffering from severe mange. She was scared and the veterinarian said the young dog was depressed.

They flushed the pup’s intestines, put her on medication, and gave her good nutrition.

Her doctor said when she was found, “It’s a touch and go situation for at least the first seven-to-10 days.” The Lab was alone and abandoned for approximately two months. A neighbor said the couple left in August and the dog appeared healthy before then.

“They cannot reach out for help on their own,” explained Deputy Charles Jantzen. “They’re dependent on society to make the call on their behalf,” reported the local ABC affiliate in Houston. A report can be made in Houston at this link, or for other locations by calling 1-877-TIP-HSUS (Human Society of the United States).

The Houston Humane Society partners with the local constables office to locate and rescue neglected and abused animals.

Harris County Constables Office Precinct 5 was reported to say that Tristan Hancock, 21, and Elisha Gonzalez, 44, have been charged with animal abandonment but they have not yet been arrested. The district attorney will be seeking jail time. Animal cruelty that involves abandonment is a Class A misdemeanor.

Authorities are hopeful that the pair will turn themselves in.

The dog is named “Bella”.  After an investigation, a court awarded Bella to the Houston Humane Society. A family has expressed interest in adopting the pup.

A representative from the Houston Humane Society said in the video interview when the dog was found, “We think with a little T.L.C., she is going to be one gorgeous gal.”

Photos of the 6-to-10-month-old chocolate Labrador now reveal that she has gained weight, her skin condition is much approved, and her hair is beginning to come back.

Lana Shadwick is a contributing writer and legal analyst for Breitbart Texas. She has served as a prosecutor and associate judge in Texas. Follow her on Twitter @LanaShadwick2.