Grand Junction, Colo. (KKCO) - A basset hound was left for dead, but Wednesday, she got a second chance with a new family.

The dog, Mary Kate, has been staying at the Mesa County Animal Services since she was abandoned by her former owners. Neighbors called animal services after they noticed the dog had been left alone in a backyard for several days.

Mary Kate's owners had their house foreclosed, and when they left their house, they left their pet as well.

Mesa County Animal Services says that's an unnecessary and bad idea.

"The best thing you can do is bring it here to us at the shelter. It's a lot better than leaving a dog behind. If it had been a smaller dog, the result could have been worse,” says Melissa Wallway who works at Mesa County Animal Services.

The homeowners have left town. If they are found, they could be cited for animal cruelty and abandonment. Animal services say they have up to two years to cite the owners. As for Mary Kate, she is on her way to a basset hound rescue in Denver until she can be placed in a new permanent home.